The Council determine planning applications in accordance with their Local Plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise. Local Plans are Council documents that set out the amount and distribution of housing and employment land over a specific period.
The adopted Development Plan for Wychavon District Council is the South Worcestershire Development Plan (SWDP) (2016).
Wychavon District Council, alongside Worcester City Council and Malvern Hills District Council, are currently in the process of reviewing the SWDP. The South Worcestershire Development Review (SWDPR) was formally submitted to the Secretary of State for independent examination on the 27th September 2023.
The SWDPR identifies additional land for development and once adopted, shall replace the SWDP and guide future development in South Worcestershire up to 2041. However, until the new plan is adopted, decisions on proposals will still be made using the policies of the adopted local plan.
Land at Hanbury Road, Droitwich Spa is currently a draft housing allocation for a residential urban extension within the South Worcestershire Development Plan review (SWDPR), under Policy SWDPR 57. As such, the site forms an important part of the strategic vision for managed, sustainable growth in the area, helping to meet identified housing needs while contributing positively to the character and function of Droitwich Spa.
The draft allocation seeks a sustainable, high-quality residential development that will serve as a new neighbourhood and gateway to the eastern entrance of Droitwich Spa – a vision the proposed development aims to fulfil.