Press Release

Planning consultation events to take place in villages

Those of you who have been following the South Worcestershire Planning process over the last few years will be aware that Wychavon District Council, Malvern Hills District Council, Worcester City Council have been working jointly to produce a Joint Core Strategy. The South Worcestershire Joint Core Strategy (SWJCS) concerns the need to plan for “strategic development” that will be required up to the year 2026, including housing and employment sites..

At the same time there is a need to consider smaller scale development in our towns and villages, and the types of policies needed to guide development. These will be considered as part of the Site Allocations and Policies plan that sits below the Joint Core Strategy.

Wychavon District Council recently held consultations in the towns but planners are now organising a series of consultation events to find out from local people and businesses where they think there is room for housing, jobs, open space and facilities within the some of the villages. This will be an opportunity for residents to put forward their views regarding sites for development and have a say on what sort of policies we will need to guide future development.

Leaflets with further details on the purpose of the consultation and questionnaires will be distributed in libraries, Community Contact Centres, community centres/ village halls/ schools. There will also be a leaflet drop around villages in the run up to the events. Information is also available on-line at www.swjcs.org

Councillor Judy Pearce, Portfolio Holder for Planning at Wychavon District Council believes that these events are a great opportunity for residents to have a say in the future role of our villages and rural areas:

Cllr Pearce added “This is everyone’s opportunity to have a say about planning for the future of our children and grandchildren, and indeed all those who want to call this district their home.”

In Wychavon District staffed exhibitions are planned at the following venues: