COUNCILLORS have given the go-ahead for a new 64 home estate in Pershore but have told planners to ‘think again’ over its proposed landmark building after branding it a ‘blot on the landscape’.
Wychavon District Council’s planning committee gave the nod to Crown House Developments to build the dozens of homes on land off Wyre Road when the outline planning application was discussed at a meeting on Thursday (July 17).
The development, which is part of the South Worcestershire Development Plan, consists of a range of apartments, houses and bungalows as well as public open space.
Out of the 64 homes, 25 properties would be affordable providing much needed houses for younger families looking to get on the housing ladder.
But despite approving the outline proposal, councillors were keen to stress their disapproval of the planned landmark building which showcases the estate and called for it to be reconsidered when the application reaches the reserved matters stage
where councillors vote on specific details of the development.
Coun David Brotheridge said: “This landmark building has no place in this location. It’s totally wrong, its far too dominant, overpowering and a bit like a blot on the landscape.
“If we were looking at this as a full application I would not be supporting it, I would be opposing it.”
Coun Charles Tucker, who was speaking as a non-committee member of the committee, said: “My particular concern for this development is the landmark building.
“We have seen how open that site is and putting an eyesore building, which I would describe it as rather than a landmark building, is quite inappropriate.”
And Coun Val Wood added: “I know its an outline proposal but I’m disappointed to see the landmark building or Fawlty Towers, which we can now call it, still on the indicative plan.
“I hope the applicant can work with planning officers and local members when it comes to reserved matters.”
But Ian Miles from Crown House Developments said the landmark building plans suited the character of the area.
“The applicant sees an opportunity for this landmark building to be of outstanding design and be a focal point of north Pershore,” he said.
A planned layout of the new estate. (s)
