Supported living accommodation at 17 Ombersley Road, Droitwich Spa

What was proposed

The application sought supported living accommodation for up to nine residents, with external alterations, demolition of outbuildings, additional parking and a dropped kerb extension.

“Proposal: Proposed change of use from dwelling to multiple occupation to include secure living accommodation with supported living. Proposed external alterations and demolition of single storey brick-built garden shed and single storey brick-built garage to provide additional parking and extension to dropped kerb.”

Officer report

The site

The proposal concerned a dwelling at 17 Ombersley Road, Droitwich Spa, within the Droitwich Spa ward.

“Planning Ref: Site: Ward Councillor Recommendation W/26/01029/FUL 17 Ombersley Road Droitwich Spa WR9 8JF Cllr Eric Bowden Cllr Gregory Wilkins Approval…”

Officer report

Officers’ planning view

Officers considered that the revised national policy framework continued to support the proposal, including specialist accommodation, design, transport and healthy communities.

“Since publication of the officer report, a revised National Planning Policy Framework was published on the 17 th of August 2026, replacing the previous version. The revised Framework restructures national planning policy and replaces the previous paragraph numbering with policy codes. The officer report refers to several paragraphs within the superseded Framework, including those relating to housing needs, design, transport and the historic environment.”

“Having reviewed the revised NPPF, officers are satisfied that the policy basis for support remains. The following new policy codes are relevant for this application: Chapter 6 – Delivering a sufficient supply of homes “The objective of the policies in this chapter is to support the delivery of a substantial increase in the supply of homes and traveller sites, by ensuring that a sufficient amount and variety of land can come forward where needed.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A town councillor spoke for deferral, a speaker opposed approval, a speaker supported approval, and a local member supported the application.

The committee’s discussion

Members discussed the deferral request, security, accessibility, community engagement, local services and the proposal’s potential benefits for young people.

“Councillor E J Kearsey asked Councillor Davidson to clarify his representation at Committee and the purpose of Droitwich Spa Town Council’s request for deferral of the application. The request for deferral was suggested by the Town Council following requests from local residents.”

“The Local Member, Councillor G Wilkins spoke in support of the application. He stated that the location was ideally placed for young people to access local services, the High Street and other amenities including transport links to enable them to seek support and employment in the surrounding towns and cities. He added that the project was commendable and, if nothing else, investment in young people at this critical time would save the community in the long run.”

Minutes

The decision

The committee resolved to delegate authority to grant planning permission, subject to the conditions in the committee report and any necessary amendments.

“To delegate authority to the Director of Planning and Infrastructure to grant planning permission subject to the conditions included within the committee report, allowing for any subsequent amendments to the planning conditions as required by the Director of Planning and Infrastructure.”

Minutes

Permission conditions

The conditions cover commencement, approved plans, materials, water management, biodiversity, privacy glazing, sound insulation, occupancy and a management plan.

“Unless where required or allowed by other conditions attached to this permission/consent, the development hereby approved shall be carried out in accordance with the information (including details on the proposed materials) provided on the application form and the following plans/drawings/documents – • Location Plan W811/270 • Existing Block Plan W811/270 • Existing Floor Plan W925/7 • Proposed Floor Plan W925/8 • Existing & Proposed Elevations W925/9 • Existing &…”

“PC. 20.08.26 9. Prior to the first occupation of the development, a Management Plan for the operation of the secure living accommodation with supported living hereby approved shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.”

Minutes