Plan for more affordable homes in Malvern

A plan to build more affordable homes in Malvern has been submitted.

Social housing provider Fortis Living, part of the Platform Housing Group, has put forward a plan to build 23 affordable homes on land off Pickersleigh Grove to accompany 92 homes already approved by Malvern Hills District Council and currently under construction.

The plan includes a mix of one, two and three-bedroom homes.

The land was earmarked as green space in the South Worcestershire Development Plan (SWDP) but is privately owned and inaccessible to the public because there are no rights of way through it.

A statement included with the application said: “Clearly, such designated land should be protected, where possible.

“On balance, however, it is felt that the loss of this area of local green space – which is inaccessible to the public – is outweighed by the considerable social and economic benefits associated with provision of 23 affordable homes in a district that is simply not delivering sufficient levels of affordable housing.

“The scheme is well-designed and in a sustainable location and incorporates the significant trees that surround the site.

“The proposal incorporates good quality areas of open space that will, in perpetuity meet the needs of residents and visitors, where the existing area of land is considered to be surplus to requirements.

“The overall scheme reinforces the strong sense of place already established by the existing [92 home] development.”

The neighbouring plan, also by Fortis Living, to demolish the existing buildings and build 92 homes was approved by council planners in 2014.

The old homes, which were built in the 1950s, were demolished in 2016 but work did not begin until August 2018.

Consultation on the plan ends on November 15. The plans can be viewed via the planning section of Malvern Hills District Council’s website. The planning application number is 19/01490/FUL.