100-home occupation variation at Land West Of Hither Green Lane, Redditch

“The application site comprises part of an existing golf course, together with areas of scrubland. There are trees and hedgerows on its boundaries and located internally within the site, as well as ponds and ditches. The trees are protected by a blanket Tree Protection Order. The site slopes gradually north to south. In the north-east corner, there is a brick building, a maintenance area for the golf course and a small car park.”

“The remaining parts of the golf course outside of the site extend around a residential area known as Abbey Park, which is accessed off Hither Green Lane. The associated Abbey Hotel complex lies on the opposite side of this road to the site. To the south of the site is the River Arrow and the River Arrow Country Park, while to the west is the Meadow Farm…”

“No increase in the overall scale of development is proposed, the scheme would still deliver no more traffic in total than previously approved, but some traffic would arise earlier. The Technical Note concludes that allowing the occupation of up to 100 dwellings at Hither Green Lane prior to junction improvements would not result in a material impact on the operation or safety of the Dagnell End Road / A441 junction.”

“In conclusion, whilst officers note that the variation will add to existing traffic on the local road network, the detailed transport note accompanying the application has been reviewed by the Highway Authority and they have no objection. It is concluded that the impacts of the development arising from the variation of Condition 16 cannot reasonably be described as severe.”

“Worcestershire Highways No objection to the variation of condition…”

“Site Notices posted (expired 10.04.2026) Press Notice published (expired 06.04.2026)”

“Officers clarified the following after questions from Members. • That recent works at the junction were undertaken by Open Reach which included relocating cables. County Highways further confirmed that work to alter the junction had not yet started. • It is the decision of the applicant if they brought forward other Section 73 applications to vary Conditions. This was not a material planning consideration.”

“Members had concerns that the lack of alternative transport provision available would compound traffic congestion as there would not be any alternative arrangements for residents. However, after discussion with Officers, they accepted that any bus route must be commercially viable for the operators, and if a bus service was put in before dwellings were occupied, there may be little uptake which could cause the service to be prematurely cancelled.”

“There was little support for the principle of the application in that Members felt that the developer was wanting to occupy dwellings before they had completed their agreed works. However, Members understood that they could find no material planning reason to refuse the application without an objection from County Highways. Therefore, on being put to the vote it was:”