A DECISION looms on plans to build 74 homes on the site of the former County buildings in Stourport.
An application for the construction of 31 affordable homes, as well as 43 affordable independent living homes for people aged 55 and over, will go before Wyre Forest District Council’s planning committee next Tuesday (January 20).
The application also covers access, parking and landscaping works on the site.
And, despite several objections to the proposal, planning officers have recommended it for delegated approval.
The 0.725-hectare brownfield site was previously home to the County Buildings and was used for fire and police stations, a medical centre, a library, and a coroner’s court by the County Council before they were relocated.
The site was originally a Foundry, established in the 1770’s and is bordered by Worcester Street, Foundry Street and Bewdley Road.
The site is now demolished with only a concrete sub-structure remaining, including a curved ramp which application documents say is integral to the stability of the higher-level Worcester Street.
The proposal is looking to build a mix of three and four-storey buildings with undercroft parking.
It would provide a mix of 2, 3 and 4-bedroom properties, centered around a triangular-shaped communal garden.
In addition, 29 resident car parking spaces and 90 cycle parking spaces are proposed.
The Transport Assessment stated that the development would not generate a significant level of traffic and would have a negligible impact on the road network.
In total, 11 letters of objection have been received for the application.
Complaints in the objection letters include concerns around inadequate parking, a strain on existing community facilities, increased traffic and pollution, and a loss of privacy.
In their conclusion on the application, planning officers said: “The proposed development would make efficient use of this previously developed site and would help to boost the supply and range of older persons’ housing within the district.
“It is considered that the proposed development would be of a high-quality design that would integrate well with the surrounding development and would result in no detrimental impact on the amenities of existing residents.
“Subject to safeguarding conditions, there would be no adverse impacts on protected species, trees, drainage and highway safety.”
Officers also consider that the development would be consistent with the Wyre Forest District Local Plan and the National Planning Policy Framework and would achieve sustainable development on the site.
The planning committee meeting will be available to watch live on the Wyre Forest District Council website from 6pm on Tuesday, January 20.
