Wyre forest MP has met with planning minister Nick Boles MP to discuss the impact of the planned 62 dwellings at Astley Cross
Malvern Hills District Council (MHDC) has recently approved an outline application for 62 houses to be built at Pearl Lane in Stourport on Severn. The plans were opposed by two parish councils in Malvern Hills, Stourport on Severn Town Council, Wyre Forest District Council (WFDC), Mark Garnier MP and Local residents.
Mark Garnier MP met with Nick Boles Minister for Planning and Rebecca Mayman the Planning Policy Manager at WFDC on the 7th May. Concerns were raised about the National Planning Policy Framework and unintended consequences that this can have on neighbouring authorities.
Mark Garnier said “This planning decision has important implications for Stourport. Council tax, the new homes bonus and Section 106 contributions will all go Malvern Hills. Yet the burden of these new homes will fall on Wyre Forest and Stourport. This is unfair and makes a mockery of local determination.
“It was important to raise the concerns of WFDC with the Minister and to make him aware of this grey area. I will be writing to the Minister for confirmation of best practice in instances such as these to ensure that a fair deal is reached for WFDC.
“I am hopeful that the discussions that are due to take place between WFDC and MHDC with regards to how the cost can best be distributed between the two authorities will be productive. I will continue to do everything that I can to ensure that services in Stourport on Severn are not negatively impacted by this development.”