COUNTLESS residents in Hampton Lovett are strongly opposing plans to develop nearly 100 homes in the town.
Beechcroft Land Ltd has submitted an outline planning application for the development of up to 91 homes north of Droitwich Spa after its two previous and larger applications – 144 and 102 houses – were turned down in recent years.
The new application hopes to build on the same 7.4 hectare site to the east of the existing retirement Doverdale Park Homes development just south of St Mary and All Saints Church and roughly 2.5km from Droitwich town centre.
The development is within the hamlet of Hampton Lovett, outside of the town boundary of Droitwich Spa. Access to the development would be via the A442 Kidderminster Road.
One prominent campaigner and pension aged resident of Doverdale Park, Janet Suffield, has opposed each example of the proposals on behalf of her fellow residents which were refused due to their size, layout, and impacts on local heritage assets.
Janet, a committee member of Doverdale Park Residents Association, who is responsible for working on efforts to oppose the applications, has repeatedly echoed concerns about the impacts on the natural landscape, increased congestion, lack of provision to combat flood risks, and the already insufficient infrastructures of education, health care, transport and local amenities.
She told the Standard: “I was gutted when another application came through.
“The responsibility on my shoulders to continue to oppose these plans on behalf of residents is huge.
“My neighbours are worried and upset about the continued attempts to build on this land.
“I’m all for supporting people who need housing, but it needs to be in the right place with the right infrastructure.”
The campaigner has also raised hers and her neighbours’ concerns regarding infringements on the privacy of homeowners living near the boundary with Doverdale Park and the proposed site, whose properties and gardens will likely be visible from the new homes.
Janet added: “When you look at the practicalities, there’s so much that isn’t right and everyone nearby, including us and the council, will suffer the consequences.”
During consultation, well over 100 nearby residents responded. A large number of which contained objections to the proposals for varied reasons, both similar and different to those highlighted by Janet.
It is not yet understood when the application will go before committee, with no decision date set by Wychavon District Council.
Visit https://plan.wychavon.gov.uk/Planning/Display/W/24/02066/OUT for more information.
