The review of the South Worcestershire Development Plan has been delayed again. The decision has been made in order to give more time for vital technical studies to be completed. It means that the earliest that the plan will now be published is October 2021, after which there will be a public consultation followed by submission for independent examination in February 2022. A new timetable is being drawn up for the publication and submission of the plan. This will be put before the three South Worcestershire Councils (Malvern Hills District, Worcester City and Wychavon District Councils) for approval in the near future.
Cllr Tony Rowley, Chair of the SWDP Joint Advisory Panel, has commented that “It is disappointing we have had to delay the review again but completing the technical studies is important to provide the evidence base to make sure we have a robust and sound plan. We will make sure this work is carried out and a new timetable published as soon as possible.”
The revised SWDP, will detail how the Government requirement to build another 14,000 new homes across Malvern Hills District, and Wychavon by 2041 will be met. This is on top of the need for 28,400 new homes by 2030, more than half of which have already been built, which is set out in the current plan.