A PETITION containing nearly 1,500 names opposing proposed development on land dubbed Malvern’s ‘Green Lung’ has been handed to the district council.
Dozens of residents filled the foyer at the Avenue Road council house on Monday morning (November 3) to see the papers formally received by Coun Melanie Baker, responsible for planning and housing.
The 15.5 acre site at Hayslan Road is currently owned by Malvern St James Girls’ School which has no further use for the plot.
Developers Barwood announced their plans to build 150 homes on the land sparking anger from locals and an opposition campaign organised by Pickersleigh Residents Group.
In September Malvern Hills District Council approved the latest version of the South Worcestershire Development Plan – Malvern’s housing blueprint up until 2030 – but the document did not include Hayslan Fields.
Regardless, Barwood has submitted their formal application to the council and has not withdrawn it.
Ken Hubbard from PRG said: “Barwood are just trying their luck, some might say they are being a bit sneaky but they are within the rules.
“I am very grateful to everyone who has supported the campaign and for everyone who has come to send the petition off.”
Coun Baker added: “This development is not in the SWDP and I can assure the local community that every point they have raised will be assessed as to whether it is material consideration by officers and the district council’s development control management committee.”
Residents can still submit formal comments on the application by clicking on the planning section at www.malvernhills.gov.uk and using the reference code 14/01301/OUT.
The public consultation is set to end Monday (November 10).
