PROTESTERS against controversial plans to build 150 homes on an ‘essential’ area of green land in Malvern have made one last rallying call as a final decision approaches.
Concerned residents are set to come out in force tomorrow (Thursday) when an appeal hearing is held over the proposed development on Hayslan Fields regarded as the town’s ‘green lung’.
The Pickersleigh Residents’ Group has opposed the large-scale plans, which are not part of the South Worcestershire Development Plan, since they first came to public attention more than 18 months ago.
Planning chiefs at Malvern Hills District Council threw out the application, made by Barwood, at a meeting in February to the delight of protesters who had earlier submitted a 1,538 named petition against the plans. A further 241 letters of objection were also written to the council.
But Barwood appealed the decision meaning residents’ initial joy was short-lived.
With the proposed development set for its final chapter, residents held a special meeting last Wednesday (November 4) to discuss a final action plan ahead of the crunch hearing.
The meeting, which was held at Barnards Green Cricket Club, was attended by almost 100 people who fear the district council’s refusal could be overturned.
Jeff Williams, chairman of the Pickersleigh Residents Group, said he expected dozens of protesters to attend the meeting.
“We have a good case for this development to be refused,” he said.
“A number of different developers have wanted to build on this land for a number of decades but for one reason or other the plans have not been accepted.
“The meeting last Wednesday was a very good one and I am expecting at least 60 or 70 people to come to the hearing on Thursday to show how against it we are. It’s important people make their feelings heard.
“I think if the development gets the go-ahead there will be many upset people as a result. A lot of people use the field in many different ways.”
The land is owned by Malvern St James Girls’ School.
A spokeswoman for Barwood said the firm was not in a position to comment before Thursday’s appeal hearing, which will take place at 10am at the Council Chamber on Avenue Road. It is scheduled for a single day but it could be held longer should the inspectorate feel it necessary.
Follow www.malvernobserver.co.uk this week for latest updates.
