A MAJOR public consultation for a proposed new town around the Worcestershire Parkway railway station has begun.
Six landowners and developers, who own parcels of the proposed new settlement allocation in the recently submitted local plan have joined forces to ensure Worcestershire’s first new town for half a century is consulted on and built harmoniously.
The cohort has pledged residents will be ‘considered, listened to, and responded to’ throughout the planning and construction process
Construction of the new settlement is expected to start following the adoption of the South Worcestershire Development Plan Review, anticipated in 2025.
To minimise disruption and enhance integration with the existing community, construction will be phased over a thirty-year period, with the town centre, new employment areas, and the first 5,000 homes completed by 2041.
The new town will be built with sustainable transport at its heart. New public transport networks, as well as walking and cycling routes will be opened to serve those living and working in and around the new settlement.
Open green spaces, including a network of parks and orchards, will ensure local wildlife populations can thrive, while both new and existing communities benefit from improved access to nature and recreation spaces.
One of the defining principles of the new settlement is ensuring essential new amenities and public services are provided as part of the initial phase of the project, alongside the first phase of homes.
This will comprise community infrastructure including new schools, medical services, new sport and leisure facilities, playing fields, and new roads and travel routes.
This first stage of public consultation will include proposals for multiple new residential neighbourhoods, the town centre, new infrastructure, community facilities and the opportunity to provide feedback on potential names for the new settlement.
A group spokesperson said: “We are very pleased to have been able to come together as a group of landowners and developers to engage with the local community in one go.
“A commitment to sustainability and community engagement must drive every aspect of a project which is fundamental to south Worcestershire’s growth for the next three decades.
“Through a ‘town centre first’ approach, everyone involved in this new settlement is dedicated to creating a vibrant, inclusive, and environmentally-conscious new place and sustainable community to the benefit of new and existing residents in the county and beyond.”
A live webinar will be held and recorded at 6pm on Tuesday (October 17). Those who can’t attend live will be able to watch the recording online at any time.
The first in person consultation will be held on Thursday (October 19) from 2pm to 8pm at Norton Parish Hall on Wadborough Road.
Drakes Broughton on Walcot Lane will be the venue for the second event on November 4 from midday to 5pm.
Visit www.wpnewsettlement.co.uk for more.
