CAMPAIGNERS in Pershore are ‘devasted’ at the decision to allow a hotly contested housing development to be built near to much-loved ancient woodland.
The decision to grant planning permission for up to 300 homes on land at Orchard Farm near Tiddesley Wood has been met with disbelief by the local community who have actively fought against it for five years.
The news following an appeal to the planning inspectorate also comes as a blow for its owners and custodians Worcestershire Wildlife Trust (WWT) who have been managing the wood, a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for nearly 40 years.
Tiddesley Wood bluebells. Photo: Paul Lane
In her 26-page report, the planning inspector said: “When set against the benefits of the proposal it is clear that the adverse impacts of the development would not be significantly and demonstrably outweighed by the substantial benefits of the proposal.
“The appeal should therefore be allowed and planning permission granted subject to necessary planning conditions.”
WWT said it was ‘dismayed’ by the decision and long campaigned to make sure that this development did not proceed.
A spokesperson said: “Against our advice, the planning inspector has deemed it possible to mitigate the harm caused by this development.
“Throughout the process, we have made it clear that such an approach is unlikely to be successful.
“It’s our experience that increased recreational pressure already has a harmful effect and will only get worse when the new development is built.
“Tiddesley Wood is one of the most important woodlands in Worcestershire. Permitting harmful development here risks undermining environmental legislation and protections, setting a dangerous precedent for other nationally protected sites.”
Tiddesley Wood ride flowers. Photo: Paul Lane
Developers Formula Land took the decision to appeal in November 2024 after Wychavon District Council failed to make a decision within the 13-week statutory time limit given to major planning developments.
Against fierce local opposition, the 25.82ha Orchard Farm site which consists of agricultural land, a farmhouse and outbuildings had been previously removed from the emerging South Worcestershire Development Plan which sets out where development should be in the south of the county.
Councillor Charles Tucker, chair of the Pershore Town Council Planning Committee told the Observer: “The town is devastated by it.
“People just can’t believe that the jewel in Pershore’s crown is going to be threatened in this way. We’ve been trying to fend off this development proposal for five years and it’s been a constant struggle.
“The planning inspector gave insufficient weight to the environmental impact on Tiddesley Wood and biodiversity and far too much weight to the lack of a five-year housing land supply for Wychavon at the moment.
“Everyone feels that the way it has been allowed is despicable but I’m afraid it is the law and lawyers are paid to get the best for their clients. It is purely a speculative development trying to maximise profit for the landowner.”
The permitted development will retain a significant gap between the wood and housing to ensure the existing setting of the wood remains apparent and 60 per cent of the site (15.9ha) will remain public open space.
Two new circular site walks, new woodland planting, a community orchard, allotments and wildlife ponds will be created.
Councillor Nicolas Wright, chairman of Wychavon’s planning committee, said the authority had “strongly defended the district against the proposals” and found the outcome disappointing.
He said: “While the inspector recognised that the proposed development would cause significant harm, they ultimately concluded the potential benefits—particularly the delivery of up to 300 much-needed homes —outweighed these negative effects.”
