A DECISION looms on plans to build 70 homes on the site of three tower blocks and a former school in Kidderminster.
The bid to build on the site of the Coniston House, Windermere House, and Derwent House buildings, as well as on playing fields belonging to the former Sladen Middle School, will go before
Wyre Forest District Council’s planning committee on Tuesday, October 21.
And, despite some objections, the bid has been recommended for delegated approval by planning officers.
Approval has already been granted to demolish the three 12-storey residential blocks on Hurcott Road and it is expected they will be removed by May 2026.
The northern part of the site is unused playing fields which were previously part of Sladen Middle School until it was partially redeveloped for Unity Academy.
The site is within walking distance of Kidderminster town centre and has been recognised as a good area for development due to its close proximity to local shops and services.
The proposal would include 26 two-storey houses and 44 flats arranged in four, two-storey blocks.
The application has been submitted by Community Housing Group.
It is hoped the development would deliver 100 per cent social rented properties if grant funding from Homes England can be secured.
If the cash cannot be secured, the housing mix would change to 25 per cent affordable.
It is also proposed that six houses and 16 flats would gain access from Champions Way and 20 houses and 28 flats would be accessed off Medal Close.
The carriageway of Medal Close would be extended into the northern part of the site and a new turning head would be constructed at the northern end of the extended road to create a cul-de-sac.
The Champions Way carriageway would also be extended to the southwest.
A total of 96 car parking spaces are proposed – the equivalent of two spaces per house – and there would also be 127 cycle spaces provided.
And planners have said the existing children’s play area would be relocated within the site.
Objections to the application include one from Sport England, which feels the proposal meeting the requirement to mitigate the loss of the playing field land has not been demonstrated.
Sport England said there was potential to overcome the objection, adding contributions could be sought for an ancillary changing room at Brown Westhead Park.
