Controversial housing plans withdrawn

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CONTROVERSIAL plans to build hundreds of homes close to a conservation area on the edge of the city have been withdrawn.

The Bevere Consortium's proposal to build 323 homes on land north of Green Lane and between the A449 and Bevere had sparked fierce opposition from local residents.

But the consortium's three jointly submitted applications, which featured housing plans by Cala Homes, Bellway Homes and local landowner Mark Harris, have all been withdrawn following objections by planning officers at Wychavon District Council.

They had raised concerns over conservation and heritage, highways issues as well as the design and layout and unresolved problems over the principle of the development.

The withdrawal has been welcomed by members of the Bevere Development Opposition Group, but the consortium has already indicated it plans to resubmit revised plans by the spring.

Many local residents have opposed the proposals which border the Bevere Green Conservation area amid concerns over the impact the development would have on the appearance of the area.

Jacky Rattue, from the opposition group, said: "We welcome the withdrawal of the plans because they are not appropriate for a number of reasons we have already stated including there being too many houses which are too closely situated to the conservation area.

Clearly they are going to comeback and have another go though so we will keep an eye on things."

A spokesman for the consortium confirmed that following discussions with planning officers they had taken the decision to withdraw the application and resubmit a new one next year.

He added all three developers were still committed to delivering the scheme and would work together on revised proposals.

“This is an important site for the area, so it is right that we work hard to ensure that we have an application that would deliver an attractive and high-quality residential development," he added.