UP TO 300 jobs are set to be created after a new business park on the edge of Worcester was given the green light.
Plans to create the development on the former Pershore Agricultural College site off Hindlip Lane were unanimously voted in favour of by Wychavon District Council’s planning committee last Thursday (September 11).
A change of use of three current buildings, the redevelopment of redundant constructions and the creation of a new multi-purpose block were all set out in the proposals.
Coun Tony Miller, Worcestershire County Councillor for the area, said he was glad to finally see the application being put in to some order as it had ‘needed to be tidied up for some time’.
“The amount of employment this will bring forward is very welcome in the area,” Coun Miller said. “I visited this site some time ago and looked at it and realised it was the right thing to do in this area.
“If this had been previous this site, transport and traffic wise it would have been a problem.
“But now the police have their new drive and have three ways of entering and leaving the Hindlip headquarters, it means the traffic flow to this site can be accommodated.
“I would fully support the application for approval.”
The highways concern surrounding West Mercia Police’s headquarters was also raised by Coun David Brotheridge who said he had fears one of the routes to the park could be used as a ‘rat-run’.
“I’m not going to object this application,” Coun Brotheridge added. “But I know from a personal experience that access onto the A38 and turning right out of the site is very, very busy.
“I think we should be trying to minimise the traffic coming out onto the highway.”
The 4.2 hectare plot of land has been derelict for more than ten years and proposals also include an application to improve the mini-bus service and pedestrian links in the area.
Coun Margaret Rowley said: “I have been looking forward to this site coming forward for quite a while.
“I can’t believe it’s as long as ten years but it is high-time it’s been brought forward and I’m glad it’s been an acceptable solution put forward.”
