AN ACTION group says it is ‘outraged’ by Redditch Borough Council’s decision to not defend an appeal lodged against the planning committee’s unanimous refusal of 214 houses on part of the Abbey Park golf course.
The North Redditch Communities Alliance (NoRCA) – comprising more than 450 residents – has consistently opposed the application submitted in December 2021 by David Wilson Homes.
In March, two years after submission, the planning committee refused the application on the basis the land was designated green open space, that Redditch had exceeded its house building target and did not need the houses and the design was ‘out of keeping with the surrounding area’.
Other factors such as flooding risk, traffic congestion and the extra demand on local infrastructure and services were raised by many objectors who commented.
The appeal, lodged on behalf of Barratt David Wilson, will be adjudicated upon by the Planning Inspectorate at a Public Inquiry scheduled to start on January 21 next year.
NoRCA members were primed to challenge the appeal and was expecting Redditch Borough Council to join them.
Mark Jacobs, NoRCA’s steering group chair, claimed it had been consistently assured by elected representatives that the council would support residents and defend its unanimous decision.
He expressed ‘surprise’ this was not the case.
Redditch Borough Council said it had taken legal advice and it was not in the public interest to spend the cash needed to fight the appeal.
Mr Jacobs added: “Whilst NoRCA has some sympathy with the financial situation of the council and recognises there are many contending demands on its funds, we are extremely disappointed by the complete u-turn the council has made.”
A Redditch Borough Council spokesperson said the action group could still explain its position to the Inspector but added the council had a duty to consider the wider public interest in defending the appeal.
Charles Robinson, NoRCA member and independent planning consultant, said: “As an apolitical organisation NoRCA is trying to ensure Redditch is developed in a planned and holistic manner for the good of the whole of the community, but we feel this is simply not served by building on green open spaces, particularly when additional houses of the type being proposed are not needed for the council to achieve its housing targets.”
Adam Rock, a chartered surveyor and Beoley Parish Councillor, added while managing public funds prudently was essential, the cost of defending an appeal must be balanced against the long-term impacts of an unchallenged development.
He added not defending this appeal would set a precedent which could influence future decisions, suggesting the cost of defence outweighed the community’s legitimate concerns.
“We feel the Council must re-consider its position as the impact of this decision will be far reaching and of course irreversible.”
NoRCA intends to be represented at January’s Inquiry and vowed to continue its opposition to the plans.
