CONTROVERSIAL plans to permanently place four caravans for travellers near Malvern Link railway station have been branded ‘inappropriate’ and ‘poor use of valuable land’ by members of Malvern Town Council.
The potential plot, earmarked for Malvern Link storage depot off Howsell Road, previously had temporary consent for the storage of caravans, but permanent consent is now being sought by planners Simon Doherty and Tom Donaghue of Nottinghamshire.
However, the proposal has been met by a severe backlash from residents and councillors who have expressed their disapproval to the plans which have been submitted to Malvern Hills District Council.
The town council’s strategic planning committee met earlier this month and has since written a strong objection to the plans saying the land has been earmarked for a potential park and ride scheme under its emerging Neighbourhood Plan project.
A town council response to the plans reads: “The proposal is considered to be inappropriate and poor use of valuable land.
“Extensive work has already been carried out in the vicinity of the station to provide an attractive ‘gateway’ to Malvern.
“The site has been deemed to have unsustainable access for mobile homes and there are concerns the four pitches may become living space for eight families if the proposed mobile homes and caravans are on the site at the same time.”
Residents living nearby said they could be affected if the plans were approved.
One resident said: “I am concerned that a travellers site next to the railway line at Malvern Link on the approach to Malvern for visitors using the Route to the Hills
would be a detrimental blot on the landscape and mar the tidyness and pleasing aspect of the updated Malvern Link Station. “
Another resident commented: “I feel it will have a hugely detrimental effect on the values of all the properties in Redland Road and surrounding roads and look very unsightly to anyone approaching Malvern Link Station on the train.”
Network Rail has also disapproved the proposals claiming there to be no confirmation on the removal of waste materials off their own land.
Barbara Morgan, from Network Rail, said: “In order for Network Rail to withdraw the objection, we will require all surface water and drainage to be directed away from Network Rail’s land into the public mains system.”
Alison Heine, from Heine Planning Consultancy which is representing the planners, said the site would hardly be seen by residents.
“The impact on the setting of the two new adjoining conservation areas would be limited given that little can be seen of the site from any public place,” she said.
“Back-land sites such as this in areas of mixed development are clearly appropriate for such a use.”
