HERE we go again. Revised plans have been submitted by Cala Homes for a "residential development of 43 dwellings in Malvern Wells" (Rothwell Road Playing Field, Hanley Road, ref: 14/00262/FUL). This title is now slightly misleading. One of the major revisions to these plans is the increase of proposed number of houses from 43 to 46!
This is despite strong opposition from organisations such as Natural England and the Malvern area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB).
The site stands at the foot of the Malverns in an AONB and can be clearly seen from a long stretch of the hills.
It is a relatively small AONB and according to the Town and Country Planning Act, a development of more than 10 houses in an AONB constitutes a major development.
In a lengthy response viewable on the Malvern Hills District Council website, Malvern AONB says:
"The AONB unit objects to this development as we consider it would have an unacceptable impact on the landscape of this part of the AONB.
"The applicants have given insufficient weight to AONB issues and the development is unsustainable and therefore contrary to policy."
They also questioned the development's consistency with the new AONB management plan 2014-2019.
The council has a statutory duty to take objections into account.
Why the developer thinks that it is appropriate to increase the number of houses when there has been such strong objection is a puzzle.
Perhaps he thinks we are all tired of objecting and will give up.
Responses must be received by the council before March 25.
Victoria Walter
Malvern Wells
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