Plans passed for over hundred homes near Bromsgrove

Developer, Severn Homes, have been granted full planning permission to build 108 houses on the vacant factory site off Bromsgrove Road.

The development will see the demolition of the existing industrial buildings and conversion of the retained welfare and administration buildings.

The new build dwellings are set to be a mixture of two and two and a half storey dwellings, which are detached, semi-detached and terraced.

The proposals were first considered by the committee on November 1 but were deferred to confirm affordable housing provision.

The former Bluebird factory. Pic: Miriam Balfry

Severn Homes provided further clarification that the site is not required to provide affordable homes.

Hunnington Parish Council strongly objected to the plans as it fears traffic will increase as there are no local amenities within walking distance of the site.

Paul Smith, chair of Hunnington Parish Council said the development will double the size of the village.

“We are only a small community and is clearly marketed as a luxury development and doesn’t in any shape or form provide any form of inclusion – it does totally the opposite,” said Mr Smith.

The former Bluebird factory. Pic: Miriam Balfry

“The site is in an unsustainable location not in walking distance within any amenities - the future occupants will rely on private motor vehicles."

As well as highways concerns, councillors at the planning committee meeting on December 6, debated provision of open space for children.

It is proposed that improvements are made to the recreation ground on St Kenelms Road in Romsley as there is no provision for open space on site.

It was agreed that a discussion between Hunnington Parish Council and Severn Homes will take place within three months to see if play provision could be in Hunnington instead.

Building work must commence within three years.