THE launch of an ambitious new development plan for the neighbourhood of Welland aims to deliver a ‘thriving rural village’.
Malvern Hills District Council’s Welland Neighbourhood Plan sets out a vision for the area until 2041. It was voted on unanimously at an extraordinary council meeting on Tuesday, April 9.
The plan seeks to transform Welland into a ‘highly attractive and successful place for people to live, work and play in’ while combining its village feeling with modern facilities.
To achieve its vision, the neighbourhood plan includes 21 objectives under four key themes covering topics such as housing, community infrastructure, the natural environment, the built environment, the economy, and design.
A referendum on March 7, 2024 determined over 90 per cent of voters were in favour of the council using the plan to assist in the decisions of planning applications in the neighbourhood.
Preparation has involved several formal consultation stages since the parish council decided to commence with a neighbourhood plan in December 2013.
It will form part of the statutory development framework for Malvern Hills District and will be used alongside the South Worcestershire Development Plan and other material considerations in the determination of planning applications.
Mick Davies, chairman of Little Malvern and Welland Parish Council, said: “The plan that has been adopted truly reflects the views of the people of Welland and it will certainly help make a difference to our lives for the next two decades and beyond. “This is a special day for the Parish Council and its Neighbourhood Plan working group.
“Our gratitude goes out to all those people, and in particular to residents of the village who participated positively in the long evolution of our Plan and who supported it in the recent referendum.
“Our thanks also go to Malvern Hills District Council, both for the hard work, sound guidance and encouragement from officers over the years and for the wise decision of members today.”
Councillor David Harrison, portfolio holder for planning, infrastructure, and flooding at Malvern Hills District Council, said:
“I would like to congratulate Little Malvern and Welland Parish Council, members of Welland Neighbourhood Planning Working Group, council officers, public bodies and local residents for the time and dedication to get this approved.”
Visit www.malvernhills.gov.uk/ for more information.
