HOUSING minister Gavin Barwell has refused to ‘call in’ Redditch Local Plan 4 with its plans to site 3,400 new homes on land between Webheath and Bentley Village.
The appeal had been launched by Redditch MP Karen Lumley who had publicly stated that Bordesley was a better site with closer links to Redditch town centre and employment zones.
However Mr Barwell, MP for Croydon, agreed with Government Inspector Michael Hetherington’s assessment, stating: “Having reviewed the Inspector’s final reports, I have found no reason to disagree with his reasoning or recommendations. I am satisfied that Redditch and Bromsgrove councils have taken a robust approach to preparing their Local Plans that is consistent with national planning policy and guidance.”
Mrs Lumley said: “Frankly I believe this is the wrong decision and I have told this to Gavin Barwell on the telephone today.
“I have for many years, since I was a councillor in Redditch, and still believe there are other sites more suitable, especially in Bordesley. I am bitterly disappointed by today’s decision and hope councillors will take this into account as they vote on the plans.
“While I am grateful the Department has considered my point of view, it is unfortunate they came to the conflicting conclusion. However I tried my best and still believe Bordesley is best placed to site these houses because the infrastructure in Webheath is weak and it is not where I consider jobs will be created over the next few years.”
The plans will now go before a vote at Redditch Borough Council’s full council tonight (Monday).
