THE FIRST in a series of planning applications for a new ‘super village’ in Kempsey has been submitted.
The overall development will see 2,204 homes built on land between Bath Road and Norton Road, south of Taylors Lane, put forward by Welbeck Strategic Land.
Homebuilder Vistry Group is set to complete the purchase of the site later this month.
The plans also include details for shops, sports facilities, a hotel, a primary school, allotments and retirement housing. This will form part of the Hopfields scheme, which is part of the urban extension of Worcester.
The application sets out plans for the new roads that will serve the development, including access from the A4440 and A38 Bath Road. Also included are plans for a landscape buffer at the southern edge of the 20-hectare site.
Welbeck Strategic Land is behind the development, while homebuilder Vistry Group is set to complete the purchase of the site in October.
The plans say there will be a network of tree-lined streets and 20mph speed limits in the new village centre, with pedestrian and cycle movement prioritised to reduce car use.
Several residents have commented on the planning portal, with an overwhelming amount of them concerned about the increase in traffic and the impact on the landscape.
One resident said: “This large-scale infrastructure and road building will permanently destroy the traditional village look and feel of Norton and Brockhill.
“The sense of community within a semi-rural environment will be lost and replaced with urban sprawl, changing the identity of the village forever.
Another resident added: “This would dramatically increase vehicle movements, including construction traffic and long term residential use, on what is currently a quiet residential road.
“I have a blind child, and this increase in traffic poses a serious and disproportionate safety risk to them.”
Coun David Harrison who represents of Kempsey ward on Malvern Hills District Council said he is giving the application active consideration.
The wider site falls within the boundaries of Malvern Hills, Wychavon and Worcester councils – but Malvern Hills has been designated the lead local planning authority.
Visit plan.malvernhills.gov.uk/Planning/Display/M/25/01398/RM to view the planning application.
