A PUBLIC inquiry into plans to build 214 houses on land which is part of the Abbey Park Golf Course in Redditch has concluded.
However, campaign group North Redditch Communities Alliance (NoRCA) said it was disappointed at the comments from the Local Planning Authority (LPA), which informed the meeting at the Woodrow Centre the council had withdrawn the reasons for refusal given by the Planning Committee.
Following an urgent request for clarification from NoRCA, the LPA issued a closing submission which completely retracted the initial statement.
In a statement, Redditch Borough Council as the LPA, said: “During opening submission on behalf of the LPA it was mistakenly stated that the council had withdrawn its reasons for refusal of the planning application. However, this is not the case.”
NoRCA said it felt this initial statement so early on in the hearing had the potential to seriously prejudice its case.
During the meeting, Mark Jacobs, chair of NoRCA, said: “The level of local opposition has been overwhelming – 345 detailed objections lodged on the council website, a signed e-petition with more than 1,000 signatures and, of course, the number of local people attending the inquiry in person speaks volumes.”
Barratt David Wilson appealed the unanimous decision by Redditch council planning committee to reject an application to build on land west of Hither Green Lane.
The inquiry was adjudicated over by Darren Hendley from HM Planning Inspectorate, with Redditch MP Chris Bloore, several current and former councillors from Worcestershire County Council, Redditch Borough Council, and Alvechurch Parish Council all in attendance.
Mr Bloore gave his support to residents.
He said: “This issue has galvanised the community as it threatens what we hold dear – our town’s character and our commitment to planned, sustainable developments.”
Following the inquiry, Mr Jacobs added: “I feel NoRCA has made a compelling case. The entire team has done its utmost, willingly giving their time over the last three years.
“We are delighted with the level of support we have received from elected representatives from across the political spectrum, as well as local residents.
“Irrespective of the outcome, we believe we have given it our very best shot – we just hope it has been good enough.”
A decision from HM Planning Inspectorate is expected by March 5 2025.
