COUNCILLORS are fighting plans to turn acres of Green Belt land into a major housing development on the edge of the city.
They say proposals for up to 800 homes at Church Farm in Cornmeadow Lane, Claines, are “not welcome” and want residents to get involved.
Developer Summix is promoting plans for the huge development, which would span a 48-hectare site stretching from the Ombersley Road to the Droitwich Road.
FARM LAND: Church Farm in Claines has been earmarked for housing (Image: Worcester Liberal Democrats)
The land is being promoted as having the capacity for between 650 and 800 homes, with future plans expected to include a school, shops and public open spaces.
The developer is holding pre-application discussions with planning officers and is expected to submit a formal application later in the year.
Claines councillors Mel Allcott, Karen Holmes and Jessie Jagger said they are against the emerging proposals – and want residents to have their say as early as possible.
Pre-application discussions are typically treated as confidential at this stage of the planning process but the Lib Dem councillors want residents to know what developers have planned.
They also have concerns over the loss of land that is designated Green Belt, which exists to prevent urban sprawl, protect the countryside and preserve the character of historic settlements such as Claines.
The site is not included in the recently-approved South Worcestershire Development Plan Review, a planning blueprint that sets out where housing development should take place.
Cllr Allcott said: “Residents will understandably be concerned to hear that development is being explored on Green Belt land.
“Claines is loved because it is so rural. Nestled at the top of the city it has its own identity and the Green Belt plays a crucial part in keeping the heritage, the historic setting and doing what it is intended to do, preventing urban sprawl.
“I know from past experience, alongside residents, any dilution of green space, including green fields and river footpaths, is not welcome.
“A previous application to build a care home on the ‘Donkey Field’ drew fierce opposition, including a 1,000-plus signed petition.
“Two separate applications were rejected and a campaign group exists in case of a future application. All credit to everyone I campaigned with locally on this.
“On a national scale, the war in Iran has again reminded us of the importance of being able to grow our own food and not rely heavily on overseas markets.
“We absolutely must stop building on farm land and be much more self-sufficient growing our own.”
Cllr Jagger added: “Pre-application discussions are often not public at this stage, so it was important to us that residents were made aware as early as possible once we were able to do so.
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“We will continue to engage constructively, but we are clear that we will stand up for our residents and ensure their views are fully represented as this progresses.”
The councillors say residents can submit comments directly to the developer during any pre-application consultation.
These responses can influence whether and how a formal application is brought forward.
If and when a planning application is submitted, formal objections can be lodged with the council via the planning portal.
We have asked Summix for comment.
