PLANS to build up to 2,560 homes by Redditch – the subject of a long running public inquiry – go before Bromsgrove planners on Monday.
Largely located on Bromsgrove district land, it features a detailed application for access to the site off Birchfield Road, Foxlydiate Lane and Cur Lane and the construction of a primary access route plus an outline application for the homes, a shop, and infants school.
It has been submitted by Heyford Developments Ltd And UK Land And Developments Ltd.
This is despite Redditch’s forecast requirement for new homes falling from a projected 337 a year to just 181.
There’s even a high pressure gas pipeline and an oil pipeline running through the site.
Borough Leader Councillor Matt Dormer said he has always been against the development, former MP Karen Lumley tried to stop it and Redditch Labour County Councillor Robin Lunn says he plans to speak against it.
Redditch will receive none of the council tax or New Homes Bonus, which will go to Bromsgrove, but it will get in the region of £19million in enhancement money and a new refuse collection lorry for the site, worth £88,000.
“I have been against this application since day one,” said Coun Dormer (Con, West) who was in opposition when the planning inspector’s public inquiries into the Plan, part of Redditch Local Plan 4, were heard.
“When the housing need changed we should have perhaps taken a fresh look rather than stick with the old plan but that takes time and with no designated five year land supply it would have left us open to developers putting in applications where they see fit.
“We cannot stop it but we will control as much as we can with the least disruption to residents.”
The development will have a major impact on the Redditch road system, and not just in the Webheath area.
The plan acknowledges improvements will be needed at all the Warwick Highway roundabout junctions and at the A441 Alvechurch Highway / A4023 Coventry Highway / Redditch Road plus the A441 Alcester Highway, Rough Hill Drive and The Slough turning.
More than £3million has been earmarked to help tackle the A38 junction with the Bromsgrove Highway.
Other planning applications also going through include the Barn House Farm off Foxlydiate Lane for up to 68 dwellings and 70 homes for the site of the Foxlydiate Hotel on Birchfield Road.
Coun Robin Lunn (Lab, Redditch North) said: “I do not think the infrastructure in the area can take it. You couldn’t make it up, and to take out the Foxlydiate is crazy. If it wasn’t there already you’d have to create it.”
To view the plan go to the Bromsgrove district council planning portal and put 16/0263 in the search box.
