What is the South Worcestershire Joint Core Strategy?

Worcester City, Malvern Hills and Wychavon are working together on a strategic planning document for the area of South Worcestershire that will cover up to 2026.  The final document, the South Worcestershire Joint Core Strategy is expected to be adopted as policy in early 2010.

That might seem a long way off now, but the first stage towards the Joint Core Strategy has already arrived with the Issues and Options Paper.

The Paper is being published by the three Councils and will be the subject of public consultation from 2^nd November to 14^th December 2007.  This will give us all the chance to register our views on how we think South Worcestershire can be shaped with the growth that is to come.

That's right, growth for South Worcestershire.  Growth is planned both nationally and regionally and South Worcestershire will need to take its share.  The role of the Joint Core Strategy is to make up policies that aim to manage the growth and that are based upon the needs for South Worcestershire.

So do you have an opinion on how Worcester and the surrounding towns and villages should grow, what the future of the Green Belt is, what infrastructure is required, how many jobs are needed and where they should go?  What about the future for our open spaces, our villages, public transport and what are the implications of development on future flooding?

Register your views by filling in a questionnaire on the Issues and Options

Report - better still come along to your local Public Event.

The questionnaire on the Issues and Options Paper will be available at all the public events listed.  You can also obtain either the longer or shorter version of the questionnaire from a number of other sources.  These include your local District Councillor, Council offices, the Joint Core Strategy website (http://www.swjcs.org/), Community Contact Centre or local library.  It is also possible to complete the questionnaire on-line.  You will also read and hear about it on your local radio and in your newspaper.

Don't miss this important chance to let the Joint Core Strategy team have your views.  Fill in a questionnaire before 14^th December 2007!

Gary Williams, Head of Planning and Housing, Malvern Hills District Council.

Gill Collin, Head of Planning Services, Wychavon District Council.

Paul O'Connor, The Planning Manager, Worcester City Council.

Public Event to be held at Droitwich Community Hall, Heritage Way on Thursday 29^th November 2007.  6.30-8.00pm.