CONTROVERSIAL plans to build more than 30 homes on Broadlands Drive have been approved despite concerns of gridlock chaos from worried residents.
Members of Malvern Hills District Council’s southern area development committee voted in favour of the outline plans to build 33 homes on empty land off the road at a packed meeting last night (Wednesday).
The plans by applicants BDM Developments have caused controversy since they were first submitted with dozens of residents fighting off the proposals fearing Broadlands Drive would not cope with the potential traffic increase as well as nearby roads Cowleigh Bank and Belmont Road.
However the plans, which are part of the newly adopted South Worcestershire Development Plan, were given support when an SWDP Inspector officially stated the site was ‘sound’ for it to be included in the mega plan.
And the plans were given the go ahead despite town councillor and local resident Mike Charles calling the plans ‘terrible’.
He told the committee prior to the vote: “I do not agree with this proposal at all. The access to the site is terrible.
“And the access from Cowleigh Bank is no better as they (new residents) will have to drive through the estate itself which I would not recommend with the number of people and children who live along there.
“Belmont Road is virtually impassable for most of the day with cars parked on both sides on the road, it is a very narrow road.
“I would suggest this needs looking at very carefully.”
Coun Julian Roskams, a ward member for the application, said residents have had to come to accept the plans after the inspector labelled the site sound for development.
“The residents with some justification remain opposed to the application but understand that the site’s inclusion in the South Worcestershire Development Plan and the Inspector’s comments on the site have made it impossible for us to oppose the recommendations to approve the site for development.
“It is not a good site for development.
“Residents on Broadlands Drive will feel hard done by as their road was never designed to cater for a sharp angled spur for 33 more homes.
“As a result the road is clattered with parked cars because the garages and driveways are already taken. And those on the highways have to park on the pavement to allow other cars to get through.
“But we have to accept the Inspector has concluded the site is sound.”
Plans also include amending the junction of Cowleigh Bank and Broadlands Drive following concerns by residents and Worcestershire County Council.
Louise Steel, speaking on behalf of BDM Developments, said the site would help create much needed housing provision in Malvern and the applicant worked with residents to help plan a suitable development.
