Plans to build 200 homes in Webheath

Buy photos »

PLANS have been submitted to build up to 200 homes on a controversial site in Webheath.

Barratt Homes and Taylor Wimpey want to build the development on part of the Webheath ADR (Area of Development Restraint) which stretches north in the direction of Church Road and past Pumphouse Lane to the south. The proposal also includes a community building or shop on the site as well as a play area and upgrades to the road network, cycle and path links and the creation of a balancing pond to reduce surface water run-off.

The land had previously been earmarked for housing by Redditch Borough Council but was not included in the first draft of the Core Strategy, which will set out where new houses should be built between now and 2026, as it was not believed the site was viable. But further work by Severn Trent and the Highways Authority has indicated development may now be possible.

The plans were outlined in detail to residents at a public consultation event at the Foxlydiate Arms pub In November. More than 500 people attended and voiced a variety of concerns including the ability of roads in the area to cope, increased flooding, the overloading of local schools and other infrastructure and the impact on wildlife.

David Rose, chairman of the Webheath Action Group, claimed if allowed the development would eventually rise to 600 homes as other land was released in phases.

The application can be viewed online by visiting www.redditchbc.gov.uk/planning and typing in the reference number 2012/207/OUT

Ruth Bamford, head of planning at Redditch Borough Council, said: "The details of this application will be available for a minimum of three weeks, although this is likely to be longer. As well as on the website, there will also be reference copies available at the council on request so do please contact us if you require access to this information."

For more information contact the council’s Planning Services on 01527 534064 or email developmentcontrol@redditchbc.gov.uk

Regional news »