By Phil Wilkinson Jones
Plans for an ‘urban extension’ that would almost double the population of a village have been revealed.
The proposal centres on Rushwick and features up to 1,000 homes, a new primary school, village hall, sports facilities plus the potential for a new railway station and 500-space car park.
The scheme is currently at an early stage of the planning process and a so-called ‘scoping request’ has been submitted to Malvern Hills District Council on behalf of developer Barwood Land.
The council will then need to tell the developer the level of detail it expects to see in an environmental statement.
Several planning applications have already been approved as part of a separate urban extension scheme in Lower Broadheath – one that will see a total of 1,400 homes built off Martley Road and Oldbury Road.
A scheme to build a new town around Worcestershire Parkway is also progressing through the planning process.
The Rushwick proposal would transform the village as we know it, although architects say the application is at an early stage of design and will be developed following consultation and engagement.
“The proposed development will deliver up to 1,000 houses which will provide a mix of dwelling sizes and types, including 40 percent affordable housing,” the scoping request states.
“An overall site wide density of 35 dwellings per hectare (dph) is proposed, with densities ranging across the Site from 27.5 dph at the rural edge to 44 dph adjacent to the local centre and train station.
“In addition to the residential land uses, the proposed development includes up to five hectares of employment land to be located adjacent to the A4440.
“A new primary school is proposed to the north of Bransford Road which includes a separate nursery building.”
Plans also include a new village hall or community hub and convenience store, sports facilities and playing pitches near the existing cricket club, allotments and public open space.
The application also says: “Land will be safeguarded for the delivery of a new railway station, associated infrastructure and car park with up to 500 car parking spaces.”