A DEVELOPER has hailed the decision by planning chiefs to overturn the rejection of plans for homes on Malvern Road as a ‘victory for common sense’.
Lockley Homes chief Karl Lockley spoke out after members of Worcester City Council’s planning committee performed the u-turn at last Thursday’s meeting.
Councillors had gone against the recommendation of their planning officers in December and originally refused permission for the proposed development of three 3 bedroom bungalows and six 2 bedroom apartments.
Councillors voted to reject the plans over a lack of consultation and the concern over possible future housing applications in the area among the reasons given for refusal.
Proposals for Malvern Road involves the demolition of the existing property known as Mayfield and development on that site plus the garden area.
The Observer reported last month how Lockley Homes threatened to table an appeal against the pre Christmas verdict.
Angry Lockley Homes bosses criticised the decision and said they had worked diligently with the city’s planning officers to revise the original scheme which was first submitted in June 2019.
Because the decision went against planning officers’ recommendations, the January planning committee took a second look and decided there were insufficient grounds for refusal.
Planning officers had advised it would be difficult to fight an appeal as the reasons for refusal were not strong enough.
Lockley Homes land director Ian O’Gorman spoke to the committee to demonstrate why he believed there were no justifiable reasons for planning not to be approved.
“During the debate several councillors commented it was a ‘good scheme’, ‘well designed’ and looked like ‘a nice place to live’ – and we agree.”
Mr Lockley said Lockley Homes would now proceed on site as soon as details were finalised and thanked local residents who had supported the scheme.
“The proof of the pudding, as they say, and I think local residents will ultimately welcome what we believe is a tasteful scheme and in keeping with the neighbourhood,” he added.
