AFTER months of uncertainty, a blueprint for housing and economic growth in south Worcestershire, incluidng Inkberrow, has received the final seal of approval.

The controversial South Worcestershire Development Plan (SWDP) was given the green light by Wychavon District Council after already receiving support from Worcester City Council and Malvern Hills District Council.

The scheme, which acts as a blueprint for south Worcestershire’s economic and housing growth until 2030, should now be adopted by the end of 2013.

Councillor Marc Bayliss, chairman of the SWDP joint advisory panel, said: “It’s been a bumpy road getting to this stage, but I’m delighted that all three councils have approved the draft plan and we can now get on with the next steps of this important process.

 

“It’s vital that we get the South Worcestershire Development Plan adopted by all three councils so we can control our own destiny.”

A recent meeting saw 30 councillors support the plan with five abstentions and no votes against.

Inkberrow ward member Audrey Steel said local villages must now accept change.

“Villages must look forward and not allow themselves to live in a cocoon otherwise they will find themselves isolated,” she said.

 

The draft plan includes a range of changes to the earlier version of the document following a consultation over the summer which attracted more than 3,500 responses.

Last month the SWDP looked to be in danger when Malvern Hills District Council threw out a motion supporting the plan, which had taken more than five years to complete.

A last-minute U-turn saw them rejoin.