PLANS have been approved to build more than 40 new homes at Upton Marina despite planning chiefs warning the site was at significant risk of flooding.
Malvern Hills District Council’s Southern Area Development Committee gave the redevelopment plans the green light at a meeting last Wednesday (August 17) because the economic benefits of the project were too valuable to ignore.
As well as new homes lining up beside the waterside, plans also include building a new community hub comprising a bar and restaurant.
The committee had earlier this year deferred a decision on Tingdene Marinas plans to build 45 homes on the site so more tests could be carried out looking into whether the potential new homes could flood.
And planning chiefs at the district council recommended refusal partly because of the flooding concerns saying the site had ‘medium or high risk’ of flooding and better sites were available.
But councillors said the impact of redevelopment at the marina and the potential creation of new jobs over weighed the flood concerns.
Before the final vote was cast Mike Ostick, vice chairman of Upton Business Association, told the committee it was vital for Upton’s future for the plans to go ahead.
“Approval of this application is important to Upton,” he said.
“Through Section 106 allocations the town will gain additional visitor moorings, much needed extra pavilion facilities and a walkway and cycle track from Ryall to Upton Bridge.
“Additional to increased residential and visitor spending, there is potential for up to 500 additional local jobs and more precept income for the council.
“If approving this application might create a precedent then it is a good and positive precedent that benefits the town and the local community.”
Upton ward councillor Mike Morgan initially proposed for the application to be approved which was then seconded by fellow councillor Andrea Morgan.
Coun Melanie Baker then agreed saying it was vital for the development to go through because of its economic benefits.
She said: “I think this is a really important development for Upton. We need places for jobs and we need places for people to live.
“Families promote economic growth and by having a combination of business development and homes development, we (the council) will provide a greater economic condition for Upton and hopefully allow it to continue to prosper.”
Councillors in favour of the plans also said proposals to raise the A4104 road by the Marina would help stop the site from suffering major flooding problems.
The plans were backed by 14 councillors with one against.
