RESIDENTS have reacted with shock over plans for a number of housing developments in areas of Redditch such as Winyates and Matchborough.

The proposals form part of the controversial Local Plan Number 4, which sets out the future development of Redditch up until 2030, approved at a council meeting held last week.

It also includes sites at Foxlydiate and Brockhill, in Bromsgrove District but are included as they were judged to be the most sustainable and deliverable sites for Redditch’s requirements.

A large number of people have been in touch with the Advertiser to say that they didn’t even know that a development had been proposed near them.

Melody Payne, from Winyates, said: “I was not made aware of these plans until a few days ago and I’m not happy with how Redditch council has handled this process.

“I’ve lived here for 23 years and love Winyates as it is - lovely, spacious, and safe. If these plans go ahead it will ruin the district."

Rob Clarke, who has lived in Winyates for 29 years, said: “This news has come as an absolute shock.

“Apart from threatening the community the area cannot take hundreds of houses. Where will they get the utilities, how will the roads cope, what will happen to the area’s green spaces?

Councillor Juliet Brunner, leader of the Conservative Group, said that the plan had not met the prime objective, which is to let the local community influence its policies and plans.

She said: “What is particularly galling is residents in Winyates Green having no knowledge of 225 houses proposed to be built. Councillors have never discussed it.

“How can this be a truly open and transparent way of doing business?”

Following the approval of the plans they will now be submitted to the planning inspectorate.

There is the chance for residents to tell the planning inspector what parts of the plan they feel are not sound, or not legally compliant.

A spokesman from Redditch Council said it followed a programme of consultation tested independently and deemed to be appropriate to engage people.

“We are on track with the timetable for this and indeed have not rushed through it and have held numerous consultation events and surgeries to hear from residents and to explain to them what the plan is about,” she said.

“This final stage of the plan sees it going to the planning inspectorate who will determine the soundness of the plan.

“Residents can make their representations which will go to the planning inspector when, again officers will be on hand to help them make their submissions.”

For information on Local Plan No 4, visit redditchbc.gov.uk.

Were you aware of the plans, how do you feel about housing developments near to where you live?

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