FEARS have been raised that ambitious plans for a major multi-million-pound transformation of Worcester’s Shrub Hill Quarter could 'price people out of their homes'.
Worries the regeneration plan for Shrub Hill Industrial Estate will lead to "gentrification" were raised by councillor Jabbar Riaz at a meeting to discuss the regeneration which will change the area beyond recognition.
Residents will now have their say on the plans after Worcester City Council’s Place and Economic Development Committee sent it for public consultation.
Councillor Jabba Riaz said it was a "really significant development for the city" but shared his concerns about residents being priced out of the area.
"It will change the face of the city for eternity in terms of what we have come to know Worcester is, in the Shrub Hill area," Cllr Riaz said.
"There is a significant amount of investment going on which will change the shape of the local community and the local area.
"My fear is how that will affect the neighbourhood communities in the area - will they be priced out of their own homes?
"The effect of gentrification within the area is very real.
"How many people from this city are going to be able to afford to live in these properties?
"It's a great welcome investment but that threat is there."
Kevin Moore head of property and asset management said the questions of affordability will arise "as the development comes forward".
"There is nothing in here (the document) to suggest that the council would want to relax any of its affordable housing policies," he added.
Worcester City Council has been working with Worcestershire County Council and Worcestershire LEP on the multi-million-pound work.
A formal Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) has set out proposals for the revamp of the 14-hectare site, including more than 500 new homes, new public spaces, and the capacity for the creation of up to 5,000 new jobs.
The area covered by the SPD is to the west of the railway line and includes the existing Shrub Hill Industrial Estate, the historic Engine Works building and the railway station.
It does not include the site of the neighbouring Sheriff’s Gate development.
Councillor Adrian Gregson described it as a "very exciting project" but pointed out an application for Lowesmoor development, included in the document, had been withdrawn.
"We just need to be nimble with those things as they arise to ensure they fit within the guidance we are agreeing," Cllr Gregson said.
The recommendation was passed during the meeting on Monday, (January 29).
The draft document will now go out to public consultation for six weeks and, if no significant material considerations requiring substantial amendments are raised, the Corporate Director – Planning and Governance will be able to refer the draft SPD to the council for adoption.
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