Councils in South Worcestershire are set to move forward with the adoption of a key planning document that will give them greater control over planning decisions.
Independent Planning Inspectors have confirmed the South Worcestershire Development Plan Review (SWDPR) is ‘sound’ once their recommended modifications have been made. This means the Plan is realistically deliverable, meets national planning policies and is legally compliant. The SWDPR can now be officially adopted at meetings of Malvern Hills District, Worcester City, and Wychavon District councils over the next few weeks.
Once adopted, the SWDPR will ensure the three councils have enough land to deliver the number of homes required by national planning policy to 2041.
The Planning Inspectors also found that, on adoption, there would be a five-year housing land supply with a five per cent buffer - providing extra headroom in case some housing sites are not built as quickly as expected. This will strengthen the councils’ ability to refuse planning permission for development not in line with the Plan, protecting the environment and communities from inappropriate development.
Inspectors were supportive of the strategic sites in the Plan, including Wychavon Town (formerly Worcestershire Parkway), Rushwick and Mitton. The proposed 5,000 home development at Throckmorton has been changed from a formal housing allocation to ‘an area of search’ – meaning more work is needed to show it is suitable and deliverable. However, inspectors noted, with the right supporting evidence, Throckmorton could play a role in meeting future housing demand.
The Inspectors were satisfied development being brought forward through the SWDPR would be supported by appropriate infrastructure, including health, education, and transport improvements.
Cllr David Harrison, Chair of the SWDPR Joint Advisory Panel, said: “I am delighted we are now in a position to move forward and adopt the SWDPR. I am grateful to all the officers who have worked tirelessly on this over the years for their dedication and perseverance.
“This will not only give us a five-year housing land supply, meaning we will be better able to resist speculative and inappropriate development, but it will also ensure the necessary infrastructure is delivered to support new housing, which is a key ask of our residents.”
