Plans submitted for 475-home 'extension' to town

Controversial plans for a 475-home development "extension" to Droitwich Spa have been submitted by a developer.

Ainscough Strategic Land wants to build the houses on land between Hanbury Road and Galton Way.

Residents opposing the scheme packed out a public meeting last year after being informed of the plans by the developer, and have cited concerns over increased traffic and pressure on local services.

In outline plans for the 22-hectare site, which lies close to the M5 and the grounds of Hadzor Hall, the developer said the location was a "logical and sustainable extension to Droitwich".

Planning documents submitted to Wychavon District Council said the development would be "landscape-led", and "enhances local character, strengthens green infrastructure and creates a distinctive new gateway into the town".

The plans promise high-quality public spaces, tree-lined streets and "a strong landscape structure".

Access to the development is proposed to be off Hanbury Road.

Neighbour Philip Radford has objected to the "large-scale, speculative" plan.

He said: "The scale of development would place significant pressure on highways, education, healthcare, drainage and other infrastructure."

Another resident, John Digweed, pointed out Hanbury Road was already very busy with traffic.

"The addition of so many houses would add enormously to traffic and current infrastructure would not cope," he said.

He added he saw nothing in the application relating to the impact on local services of such a large increase in population.

County councillor Seb James has previously called the proposed site a "cherished green space", the loss of which would "fundamentally change the character of our community".

In December, he vowed to fight on against the development, saying: "This is not just about housing numbers — it's about safeguarding the quality of life for current and future residents."

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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