A CONTROVERSIAL application for a new Sainsbury’s, Costa and industrial units in Droitwich was approved by Wychavon council’s planning committee today (July 20) after turning down a proposal to throw it out.
The application will see the new supermarket and coffee shop and drive-thru built on land at Joynes Road.
There will also be an EV charging station built as well as two industrial units and parking, landscaping and infrastructure works.
It will be on the site of the Copcut Rise residential development.
Developers Witton Estates said the proposal would bring up to 210 full-time equivalent jobs, supporting annual wages of up to £6.4million and providing a ‘much-needed boost’ to the local economy.
North Claines and Salwarpe Coun Daniel Birch proposed a motion to refuse the development, which was voted against in favour of approving the plans.
He said: “Under South Worcestershire Development Plan 21, proposals must complement the character of the area and should respond to surrounding buildings.
“Copcut Rise is a traditionally designed housing development within a rural parish- in no way do grey industrial units compliment the area nor fit in.”
“The height of the larger warehouse building will be 10 metres and the landscape officer has confirmed there will be insufficient screening for at least ten to 15 years.
“Residents were sold their properties on the advertising of them being in a peaceful location surrounded by natural beauty. It would be entirely improper for us to take this away.”
Other concerns included an unrealistic estimated job creation figure and insufficient car parking spaces, just 139, to support such a large workforce plus customers should the figures be correct.
A Witton estates spokesperson said: “This is an allocated site that already benefits from outline planning permission which was granted nine years ago.
“Our estimate of much-needed new jobs is not disputed by Wychavon’s own economic development team.”
Council officers also said there had always been an expectation for development on the site which is up to 12 metres in height.
Coun Rob Adams said he would support the application but felt a better job could be done with the colour and the design of the development.
Coun Linda Robinson added: “Planning needs to be plan led and this application is in our adopted plan.
“I think we would be very vulnerable at appeal if we go against this.”
Wychavon received 144 letters of objection against the development as opposed to eight letters of support.
Objections included concerns about increased traffic, a lack of infrastructure to support the proposal and fear it would result in more crime, anti-social behaviour, littering and pest infestations.
Supporters said the Costa and Sainsbury’s would bring much-needed services to Copcut that would be accessible for children and the elderly without having to leave the estate by car.
