RESIDENTS are being urged to have their say on proposals for a housing development on green belt land north of a former school site in Coniston Cresent in Stourport.
The consultation, being undertaken by Wyre Forest District Council, is open for comments until October 14 which will be included in a report for councillors in late 2024.
This draft Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) – prepared by the council’s strategic housing and planning teams – provides guidance on what the plans for the site will look like.
Although a desired number of properties has not been mooted as part of the ‘development brief’, it is envisaged the site would house of a mix of two, three and four bedroom homes.
Statistics show there are currently 450 households on the housing register waiting for affordable properties in Stourport and it is hoped this development will go towards meeting the demand.
Of those, two-bedroom homes are the ones most needed.
The document focuses on the relevant policies in the local plan, the development opportunities and constraints and details what Wyre Forest District Council would like to see delivered on the site.
The plan includes the development of energy efficient homes, a pedestrian and cycle link and green spaces.
‘A fantastic opportunity to provide housing’
The council said it provided an opportunity to bring forward a residential site that restored, supported and enhanced biodiversity to the wider green infrastructure network.
It would also improve connectivity to the open countryside for the local community.
The site on the boundry of Stourport-on-Severn spreads over nine hectares and is next to the Burlish Country Park, Stourport High School and Burlish Park Primary School, allotments and Stourport Sports Club.
In conclusion, the council said the site provided a unique opportunity to bring forward an attractive, healthy and sustainable development but stressed it was important the site was ‘resilient to climate change, enhanced the landscaper character and biodiversity of the site and supported access to the adjacent nature reserve’.
The council will be consulting with key stakeholders and residents in relation to the development brief and further consultation undertaken by the developer, provided any plans are in line with the council’s Statement of Community Involvement.
Wyre Forest DC is seeking a developer interested in constructing private rented accommodation on the site which would be run by the council.
Email: [email protected] with any comments before the October 14 deadline.