Proposal could go ahead despite objections - The Malvern Observer

Proposal could go ahead despite objections

Malvern Editorial 7th Jan, 2014 Updated: 20th Oct, 2016   0

A PROPOSAL to build 39 new homes in Powick is likely to go ahead despite objection from dozens of residents in the area.

The fate of the plan will be determined by the Malvern Hills District Council Northern Area Development Management Committee tomorrow (Wednesday).

The authority’s officers have recommended the bid be given the green light because the council cannot show it has a statutory five-year housing land supply as its planning policies are out of date.

An officer’s report has declared there are no elements of the plan that would have an detrimental impact on the area which could not be mitigated through legal agreements with the developer.




The application is only for the principle of development at this stage and proposes around 16 affordable properties.

It would also see the closure of the central reservation on the busy A449 Malvern Road opposite Sparrowhall Lane.


More than 100 residents opposed the original plan for 50 homes which was subsequently amended to the current proposal for 39 properties, however 27 people still registered formal objections.

Powick Parish Council has also asked the planning authority to refuse permission based on a number of concerns, claiming the access on to Sparrowhall Lane is unsafe and the development as a whole would be unsustainable in the village.

Worcestershire Regulatory Services has also declared it is ‘essential’ public transport be improved to reduce traffic on the Malvern Road an prevent air quality problems.

The committee originally deferred a decision on the plan in December and requested the registered applicant consult further with residents.

However he refused stating the plans were presented at the village in the summer and argued the council was ‘unreasonable’ to request further consultation.

He added the plans were only outline and there was not enough information on the proposal available at this time which would likely sway those who were opposed to it.

Read next week’s Malvern Observer for a report on tonight’s meeting.

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