Bovis refuse to give up new homes

The derelict fromer medals office site in Droitwich. Picture by Marcus Mingins 0212026MMR

THE DEVELOPERS behind plans for homes on the site of Droitwich’s former medals office have said they remain committed to delivering the project despite planning chiefs rejecting their latest application.

Bovis Homes spoke out after plans for 64 homes on the former Government buildings site on Worcester Road were refused last Thursday (January 5).

Members of Wychavon District Council’s planning committee had met to discuss the remaining issues for the scheme which was given the green light almost six years ago.

Despite overall approval, no agreement has ever been reached on the layout and design of the development and committee members raised concerns about the design and size of a cluster of houses on a section of the vast site.

But speaking to The Standard, Bovis Homes planning manager for the Central region, Barry Herrod said the meeting was the first time the developers had been made aware of the issues.

“We have had positive discussions with council officers regarding the derelict site over a number of months and have made a concerted effort to communicate with the public and council since September through letters, an exhibition at the

Sacred Heart Church Hall and a dedicated website.

“We’ve had positive feedback from local people about the plans and refined our proposals wherever possible based on the feedback they have given us.

“These proposals were recommended for approval by officers and we were surprised to hear the issues raised about the development in the meeting - the first time we had been made aware of them - and also by the decision of councillors to

refuse the application.

“Their concerns involved the design of a small section of the site where we proposed 12 smaller properties, which were intended as starter homes for first-time buyers,” he added.

Mr Herrod added: “We remain committed to delivering all these much-needed new homes to the community.

“While reviewing the design of these starter homes we have now submitted a planning application for nine homes by the

entrance to the development and have sent out a letter to local residents informing them of this and updated our website with the new plans,” he added.

Neil Pearce, Wychavon District Council’s development manager said: “The Bovis Homes application was refused by councillors because they didn’t like the way some of the homes were clustered together in the development and they felt the size of the houses and gardens were too small for family homes.