THE APPEAL hearing over a controversial plan to build 150 homes on an ‘essential’ part of green space in Malvern has begun.
Dozens of residents watched on today (Thursday) as Barwood Strategic Land’s appeal for the Hayslan Fields development got underway at the Malvern Hills District Council chamber on Avenue Road.
As expected more than 50 concerned residents attended the opening proceedings to the hearing following its unanimous refusal at a meeting in February.
Representatives from Barwood and Malvern Hills District Council addressed the inspectorate giving their cases as to why the proposals should be accepted/refused.
The hearing so far has debated on the relevance of the plans in correspondence to the Malvern Hills District Local Plan and the emerging South Worcestershire Development Plan.
The councel representing Barwood has argued the Malvern Hills Local Plan’s policy on green land is out of date and inconsistent which in response has been defended by those representing the district council.
Barwood representatives are also arguing the land does not confirm to the full meaning of ‘green open space’ as most of the land is privately owned. They also argue the development will not have a major impact on the landscape of the area.
Jeff Williams, chairman of the Pickersleigh Residents Group, has also spoken out during the hearing and told the inspectorate the fields provide the people of Malvern a ‘feel good factor’ while using the land.
“There can be no doubt the fields are much needed and are much used in the community,” he said.
It is expected for the inspectorate to go on a site visit on Friday morning before the hearing resumes to a conclusion.
The hearing continues. Follow www.malvernobserver.co.uk for more updates.
