Battle over future of railway yard continues

8:00am Friday 12th September 2008

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By Lauren Rogers »

A LONG running battle to stop homes being built on a disused railway yard rages on.

Plans to redevelop an old railway goods yard off Peachfield Road, Malvern Wells, come before councillors for the fourth time next week after developers once again amended the controversial plans.

Landmarque Sites, based in Droitwich, wants to built 20 houses on a narrow strip of land next to the railway site and improve site access by realigning Peachfield Road.

From the start plans have met with strong opposition – 365 neighbouring residents signed a petition and hundreds sent letters to Malvern Hills District Council calling for the application to be refused.

Planning officers have, however, recommended that the plans are approved, subject to a provision of affordable housing and Landmarque financing Malvern’s public open space and education facilities.

In the latest report officers said: “Whilst the development is unique within this part of Malvern the design of the proposal would not be harmful to the visual amenities of the area.”

They deemed the houses – a mix of two and three bedroom – to have been “sympathetically designed”, adding that the design “ensures no material loss of light would occur to neighbouring properties”.

Campaigner Terry Price, of adjoining Fruitlands, disagreed.

“Yes, the plans have been changed, but not sufficiently,” he said.

“Whilst they have reduced the number of units they are still very close to the existing properties. That is one of our gravest concerns.”

The Council for the Protection of Rural England, Malvern Civic Society, and Malvern Wells Parish Council all filed objections and residents have complained about varying issues, from drainage to overdevelopment and road safety.

Mr Price believes plans to install a flashing 30mph sign warning motorists to slow down is proof that both developers and councillors realise there is potential for danger.

Planning officers, however, said 15 homes – as suggested in the local plan – would not be an “efficient use” of the land and the suggested road alterations are “acceptable to serve the proposed development”.

The developer has previously submitted plans for 44 homes, 33 homes and 24 homes.

Members of the public are allowed to attend the planning meeting at Priory Lodge Hall, Avenue Road, Malvern, at 7pm on Wednesday, September 17.