A COUNCILLOR is urging residents to have their say as developers open public consultation on plans for 1,000 new homes off Bromyard Road.

St John’s county councillor Richard Udall says the Taylor Wimpey and Redrow development, Earls Court Farm, which will be given the green light or rejected by Malvern Hills District Council, is close to Worcester and therefore city councillors, residents, schools and businesses all need a say on how the scheme will happen.

A Taylor Wimpey spokesperson said: "We understand and appreciate the concerns of the local community as we prepare our reserved matters application for the site at Earls Court Farm.

“The site received outline planning permission in December 2019 and as part of this, an S106 agreement was entered into securing contributions and obligations as requested by statutory consultees. This agreement was signed by Malvern Hills District Council and Worcestershire County Council.

“We are currently engaging with key local stakeholders and local residents via our online public consultation. We will review all of the feedback that we receive, which will help us to refine our proposals for the design of this proposed development.” 

However, Councillor Udall said: “We need to ensure the developers understand the views and concerns of local residents.

“Worcestershire County Council have already made significant requests for public transport, cycling and pedestrian facilities and new improvements to the highway infrastructure – all are welcome – but they are all meaningless unless we can achieve a completion of the ring road around the city with a new river crossing to the north.

“Traffic congestion would simply clog local roads and stifle economic growth in St John’s. This scheme must not proceed without improved highway infrastructure and a ring road as a minimum requirement. There is also a need for a local pub, allotments, fire station, dentists, doctors and leisure facilities.

“I urge residents to make their views known, to make the comments and to influence the design of the new development. We did not want this to happen, but we need to ensure that if it does happen it does not damage our current community and sufficient infrastructure is provided to support both existing and new residents.”

Bob Wilson, managing director at Redrow, added: “We’re delighted to be bringing much-needed quality new homes to Worcester. As part of our commitment to creating thriving communities, we will be working closely with the local and county councils to implement Section 106 agreements, which will benefit residents in both the local and surrounding areas.”

To have your say visit: www.earlscourtfarm.co.uk/proposal.html