DREAMS of open land in Droitwich becoming a children’s playground could be in jeopardy after Fortis Living put forward a proposal for more houses on the plot.
The housing provider applied for more than £33,000 from Droitwich Town Council’s New Homes Bonus to create the new play area around Drover’s Way/Place, Ploughman’s Place and Thatcher’s Way in October last year. But, as that did not materialise, it has now earmarked the land for four new two bed homes and four three bed shared ownership homes.
The plans are due to go before Wychavon District Council on October 31 at Westfield Community Hall and Rod Hopkins, leader of Droitwich West Liberal Democratic Focus Team, is urging resident to object to the application.
“This area is currently used by residents’ children as an area where they can play safely.
“This has the advantage that residents can now keep an eye on their younger children and ensure their safety from undesirable elements which would not be possible if the site was built on.”
He claimed Fortis had consulted 200 residents who all raised concerns for the loss of the space and said they were also worried for the increased demand for parking as there were also proposals to demolish the existing garage to make way for access to the new development.
“There is a huge empty space not far from here which used to have factories on which the council has knocked down.
“Why not use this space instead of this area which is so important to the local residents who can open their gates and let their children whilst still being able to keep an eye on them?
“The housing in this area is already far too dense and will only get worse.”
Fortis was still hoping to receive £5,000 from the town council to create the play area but the councillors decided against it.
A town council spokeswoman said: “It was not promised that £5,000 would be given for the play area.
“Councillors looked at it and considered new homes bonus funding but the decision was made not to support it.
“They concluded there was already a play area on the Westlands and they therefore wanted to keep this area as open space.”
A spokesman for Fortis said the £5,000 was not sufficient for the work to take place, which led to the decision to develop new shared ownership homes on the site.
Simon Vick, assistant director for growth and development said: “We would encourage residents to voice any concerns they have through the planning process.”
