THERE ARE GROWING frustrations from MPs in the Vale over the Government’s decision to strip Wychavon District Council of key planning powers.
Nigel Huddleston, MP for Droitwich and Evesham and West Worcestershire representative Dame Harriett Baldwin have both criticised the planning minister Matthew Pennycook for failing to agree to a meeting to discuss the serious local impact.
Last month the Government wrote to both Malvern Hills and Wychavon District Councils saying that major planning applications will be decided by the Planning Inspectorate, removing the voices of local councillors to comment on housing development.
At the time Wychavon vowed to fight to overturn the sanction and said it was considering all options available to challenge it, including legal action.
This measure was taken because from 2023 to 2025, 10.7 per cent of major planning applications refused by Wychavon were later allowed on appeal – less than one per cent over the Government’s accepted limit.
The latest data, however, shows current performance is well below the 10 per cent designation threshold.
“I will continue to challenge this decision and stand up for local democracy. Planning decisions should be made by locally elected councillors who know our communities best, not by distant bureaucrats in Whitehall,” said Mr Huddleston.
Dame Harriett added: “I was appalled at the initial decision which came out of the blue and I am told is based on outdated and inaccurate information.
“I have always felt that the best planning decisions are made by local people and their local representatives and I am extremely concerned that the Labour administration will use this as an opportunity to impose major housing developments on us and our lovely rural area.
Major applications already submitted will continue to be decided by the council, as will applications for smaller developments and from householders.
The sanction remains in place until Wychavon has satisfied government officials and the situation has improved.
It appears that for the moment Wychavon and Malvern Hills has dialled back on its threat to take the Goverment to court.
When to comment, Ciaran Power, head of development management for Malvern Hills and Wychavon District Councils, said: “Officers have met with representatives of the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government and the Planning Advisory Service, and we are currently considering our position.
“It would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.”
