AN ACTION group says it is ‘disappointed ‘ by the planning inspectorate’s decision to allow an appeal by Barratt David Wilson Homes to build 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.
During the public consultation – held between January 21 and January 24 – residents, and elected officials voice strong opposition to the development.
NoRCA argued the development is unsustainable, citing concerns about the loss of green space, wildlife habitat, increased traffic congestion, strain on local services, and increased flood risk.
They emphasised that the development contradicts the community’s vision for the area.
The Inspector’s decision cited the revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which came into effect in December 2024, and the increase in Redditch’s housing targets from 143 houses to 486 houses per annum (a 240 per cent increase), as key factors.
The Inspector concluded that the additional housing would benefit the town economically, despite the acknowledged impact on already over-stretched local services and the loss of green space.
The Inspector also noted the importance of the land sale and golf course reconfiguration to the hotel’s commercial viability.
Mark Jacobs, chair of NoRCA said: “We are naturally extremely disappointed. We presented a compelling case, but we have no option other than to accept the Inspector’s decision, however strongly we disagree with it.
“We felt our arguments were in-line with the sentiments expressed in the letter issued to all local authorities by the Secretary of State on December 12 2024 that emphasised the Local Plan should be the cornerstone for development, and that the needs of the community in terms of infrastructure and services were of great importance.
“Sadly, the decision doesn’t bear this out.”
“This development is being imposed on the community despite overwhelming local opposition and the considered judgment of our elected representatives.
“It begs the question – what is the point of local planning processes if they can be so easily overridden by developers with deep pockets?”
Former leader of the council, Coun Matt Dormer said he was gutted for the residents.
“After all of their hard work it is disappointing this is the result.
“I don’t feel like the council backed them, and if I was still leader I would have defended this appeal.”
