THE LONG-running saga over a developer’s bid to build hundreds of homes in the heart of Evesham is set to rumble on after new plans were submitted for the site – despite no decision being made on the original proposals.
Planning chiefs at Wychavon District Council deferred Hallam Land Management’s proposals for 220 home and a care home in November during a tension-filled meeting which saw angry residents vent their opposition to the controversial plans.
Now the developers have submitted a new plan for up to 200 new homes, open space and a children’s play area.
Hallam have also axed the proposed care home from the new application but retained a community orchard, parking and an expansion of the nearby leisure centre’s car park and around 40 percent of the homes will be affordable housing.
A major planning blueprint for future housing development in South Worcestershire allocated 200 homes for the land off Boat Lane and the latest bid from Hallam Land Management appears to be a bid to meet the guidelines set down in the South Worcestershire Development Pkan
The new application is the latest in the saga over the land which began in September 2015 with the submission of plans to build a staggering 380 homes and a care home on the land close to the River Avon in the heart of the town.
Bosses confirmed to the Observer in June 2016 they were reviewing their plans as a result of the South Worcestershire Development Plan requirements and conseqently handed in proposals for 220 homes in December 2016 and withdrew the first application.
Planning officers said they had to agree four extension of time agreements with Hallam due to a number of issues, including waiting for comments from Highways chiefs and Historic England, as well as minor changes made to the application.
After nearly a year of waiting, the application was finally discussed in November but saw a number of issues raised during the meeting including the impact such a development would have on Evesham’s already gridlocked roads.
Local residents are invited to air their views on the application and have until Thursday, April 19 to make comments.
Visit www.wychavon.gov.uk and search for 18/00549/OUT to make a comment on the application.
* What do you think? E-mail [email protected] with your views
