COUNCILLORS have claimed an ‘outrageous’ government sanction is an ‘affront to democracy’ as decisions over some of the biggest planning applications in Droitwich’s history could now be taken out of their hands.
A government sanction slapped on Wychavon Council means developers submitting certain major planning applications, typically of more than ten homes, can choose to bypass the council and instead apply directly to the Planning Inspectorate, which will decide on the council’s behalf.
This measure has been taken because, from 2023 to 2025, 10.7 per cent of major planning applications refused by Wychavon Council were later allowed on appeal- less than one per cent over the Government’s accepted limit.
Coun Emma Kearsey, Wychavon’s Executive Board Member for Planning, Infrastructure and Urban Design, said: “How dare they.
“This is an outrageous decision by a government that thinks it can simply dictate to local communities in complete defiance of the evidence and common sense.
“Communities such as Drakes Broughton and Badsey have already endured levels of development that have fundamentally changed the character of those villages.
“The reward for councillors who stood up for those communities is apparently to have their decisions taken away from them by those in Westminster and handed to inspectors with no knowledge of Wychavon or the people who live here.
“We will challenge this affront to local democracy and fight to return decisions on major planning applications to democratically elected councillors as soon as possible.”
Wychavon is now considering all options available to challenge the government’s decision, including legal action.
The council claims that between April 1 2024, and March 31, 2026, only 5.2 per cent of applications the council refused were allowed on appeal.
Major applications already submitted will continue to be decided by the council, as will applications for smaller developments and from householders.
The sanction is set to remain in place until Wychavon has satisfied government officials that the situation has improved.
Concerns have been raised by residents that future applications, if accepted, will put pressure on existing infrastructure within the town.
Coun Dan Birch, who has been trying to ease residents’ fears over the past few months, said: “I am genuinely angry about this decision.
“To be clear about what this means, every resident who has attended a planning meeting, submitted an objection, has had their voice weakened by this decision.
“We will not let this lie.“
Mr Huddleston described the decision as an outrage which opens the door to even more unwanted housing development.
