PLANNERS and politicians have been urged “not to make the mistakes of the past” after Government housing targets were scrapped.

The regional spatial strategy (RSS) set out plans for councils in south Worcestershire to build 25,500 homes between now and 2026. In Wychavon that could have meant about 460 homes per year going up in the rural district.

Worcester and Malvern Hills would also have seen increases to meet the Government’s demand for an increase in homes.

We reported yesterday how the new Conservative Government was scrapping the scheme.

Councils are now “keenly awaiting” the publication of interim arrangements.

Meanwhile, Terry Sims, of Claines Action Group, has been a vocal critic of the strategy, which suggested 500 new homes be built at Fernhill Heath.

“This has been hanging over us for three-and-a-half years,” he said.

“I’m pleased this Stalinist approach to planning has now been halted.

“We’re not Nimbys, if there is a case for houses and new factories then fine.

“But demand must come from within the city, not from some government department.

“I am sick and tired of this city being held up as a target for growth, without proper analysis.

“I urge planners and politicians not to make the mistakes of the past and to talk to residents about what they want, with real consultation, not just paying lip-service.”

Worcester, Malvern Hills and Wychavon councils had been working on a planning document called the South Worcestershire Joint Core Strategy to answer the Government’s housing targets.

Mid-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff, who spoke with communities secretary Eric Pickles and fellow MP Andrew Stunell on Tuesday, outlined what could now happen.

“Andrew Stunell said they were uncertain of the planning detail following behind [the scrapping of the spatial strategy] because it’s a complex area of planning law,” he said.

“I think they’ll freeze the spatial strategy using existing powers, then look at the details. It’ll need some kind of replacement.

“It’s unlikely it will take very long, and the parties will have discussed this before.

“People will have to be patient for a few days.”

Meanwhile, without the spatial strategy councils will still have their own plans – which the RSS replaced – to refer to until the middle of next year.

Without these plans, which set out exactly where commercial and housing developments can be built, developers could in theory apply to build on any piece of land.

A spokesman for Malvern Hills District Council said: “No details of when the RSS will be abolished have been published, and it may be some time before we get details of any interim arrangements to be put in place pending an overhaul of the national planning system.”

Coun David Hughes, the council’s planning chief, said: “We are keenly awaiting further information and will ensure residents are informed of any changes.”