A RESIDENT has claimed the gap which separates Leigh Sinton from Malvern is fast becoming ‘trivial’ following fresh proposals to build nearly 100 homes in the area.
In December three applications were submitted to the district council – Taylor Wimpey’s bid for 55 properties off Eastward Road, Wolverley Homes’ plans for 32 homes off Hereford Road and a further proposal from householders on Halfkey Road to build five houses.
Les Williamson, who has spoken against previous development in Leigh Sinton, said the latest applicants had little regard for the overall impact on the area.
“How can this be sustainable in a village without adequate transport and a school that is already full.
“The only benefits are those achieved in the form of profit by greedy landowners and developers who have no concern about the damage they are doing to the open countryside, its rural appearance and its character.”
Mr Williamson added Wolverley Homes had already had an identical proposal turned down by the council’s southern area development management committee and claimed it was clearly cheaper for them to re-enter the same bid rather than appeal the original decision.
He said the developer clearly felt success was likely due to the fate of another proposal to build 53 homes on Kiln Lane.
Despite the application being thrown out by the northern area development committee in December, a decision has been referred to the council’s full planning body and is due to be determined on January 16.
Ten new homes at Hop Pole Green were given the green light in December and should all of the other bids in the pipeline go through it would mean more than 150 homes would be built in or near Leigh Sinton in the near future.
Mr Williamson added: “The significant gap is being demoted to a trivial space between two major settlements.”
