IoD seeking South Worcs housing plan rejection
The Institute of Directors (IoD) is calling for a major housing development is South Worcestershire to be halted.
The organisation has objected to the current local government-produced plan which would involve thousands of new homes being built in the area.
The South Worcestershire Development Plan has been prepared by Malvern Hills, Worcester City and Wychavon Councils and is designed as major construction scheme to be completed by 2030.
Development plans for the sites include housing, employment, retail, education, health, community use and open space. A key requirement is that any development is sustainable.
But, in a submission following a general consultation exercise, the Worcestershire branch of the IoD said it "firmly believes that the South Worcestershire Development Plan should be rejected".
The response, submitted by branch chairman Francis Christie, read: "If the three councils want to create the conditions for economic growth and job creation, they need to have an effective dialogue with the business community on where there are opportunities to create employment for people.
"Until these issues are addressed, there is little value in providing 20,000 new houses for 40-60,000 people in South Worcestershire."
Christie questioned the logic regarding where the new residents would work and the impact on "overstretched" infrastructure systems and transport.
"If this plan is accepted, it will increase traffic congestion, limit commercial transport and overload existing schools, medical facilities and other infrastructure and services," he added.
The South Worcestershire Development Plan is set to replace the existing local plans of the three partner councils and is due for adoption in May 2013. It will also supersede elements of Worcestershire County Council’s county structure plan.
