A DEVELOPER which will be building almost 250 new homes in Droitwich has pledged to invest £9million ‘in the community’.
Redrow Homes (Midlands) has received reserved matters approval to build 241 new homes on land north of Pulley Lane and Newland Lane.
Redrow said The Orchards, as the development would be known, would be aimed at providing a leafy setting with large orchards and allotments, created alongside the homes.
The company’s sales director Pauline Turnbull, said £7.6million would provide 96 affordable homes as part of the development, along with education, transport, open space areas and leisure facilities.
According to the company, more than £500,000 has also been set aside for transport, including a cycling strategy, while more than £380,000 would be contributed towards local education facilities. Sports facilities at Droitwich Leisure Centre would receive a £200,000 boost and payments would also be put towards policing, recycling and public art, the firm said.
And it added there was also the potential for future retail development and a care home.
The Orchards will consist of 145 private sale homes – ranging from two and three to four and five-bedroom properties.
Redrow is expecting the first homes to be available early next year.
Coun Richard Morris, who is responsible for economy and housing on Wychavon District Council, said: “I welcome the fact Redrow are planning to invest the money they committed to through the planning and legal process connected to this development.”
He added the town needed investment in infrastructure, such as roads, schools, doctors and leisure, adding it was crucial that critical infrastructure was delivered at the right stage of the development process.
“The community is looking to start a neighbourhood plan to set out the town’s priorities and support for this and the priorities would be welcome.”
Visit www.redrow.co.uk/orchards for more on the development.
