Village ‘better than an estate’ (From Worcester News)

Village ‘better than an estate’

5:40pm Wednesday 19th September 2012 in News By Richard Vernalls, @rvernallsWN #worcsnews

THERE are calls to build a village-sized development rather than a 250-home housing estate on the outskirts of Worcester.

The Bevere Development Opposition Group (BDOG) is opposed to plans on adjoining land which could see the homes built off Ombersley Road and Green Lane.

Applications were submitted to build on the land but later pulled by developers, while a consultation over the much larger-scale South Worcestershire development plan is consulted on.

In its latest revision however, penned in the summer, the SWDP makes it clear that there is room for about 250 homes there – a number the Bevere activists oppose.

They have now published an “alternative” for 70 homes, which they say takes account of the area with its views to the Malvern hills, and its neighbouring Bevere Conservation Area.

And they want to discuss their option with the SWDP planning officers, drawn from the three district councils in south Worcestershire.

Craig Routledge, BDOG chairman, said following careful study of planning policies in the SWDP preferred options document, the group felt its proposal balanced the interests of all parties.

“Overall, about 70 houses could be built, which would give rise to the kind of nucleated village already advocated for other rural areas of south Worcestershire and where the houses and layout matched the style of the area. “We invite the SWDP team leaders to meet us and see more of what we propose.

“It has been hard all round to find a way of balancing the need for new houses with the need to conserve the historic landscape but we believe our plans do just this.”

A spokesman for the SWDP said: “Any consultation feedback will be considered by members in November.”