19-07-2025
'Unsustainable' housing schemes for village rejected
TWO housing schemes for Lower Broadheath have been rejected.
Plans had been put forward to build nine homes off Frenchlands Lane and seven homes in Peachley Lane.
But both proposals have been turned down by Malvern Hills District Council.
Planners said the Frenchlands Lane scheme would cause 'harm' to the setting of nearby Christ Church - a landmark in the village.
Lower Broadheath Parish Council said the homes would represent 'over development' of the site and are 'not required to satisfy local housing need'.
'The development is unsustainable, with access from a single-track road with no footway or passing places,' parish councillors said.
'Because of its location in open countryside and the need to remove established hedges it is considered that the proposals would have a detrimental impact on the biodiversity of the site.'
Neighbours said the area was already busy and adding more homes - and therefore cars - would be dangerous for children.
The Peachley Lane plans were turned down by the district council's northern area planning committee, despite being recommended for approval by officers.
The proposal had attracted more than 40 objections from villagers, who had raised concerns Lower Broadheath was being turned into a small town.
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Clare Jennings said: 'The proposed development threatens the rural character of Lower Broadheath, encroaching upon green spaces and agricultural land. The loss of these areas not only diminishes the village's aesthetic appeal but also impacts local biodiversity and contributes to environmental degradation.'
She also said there were 'serious safety concerns' about the site being accessed from Peachley Lane and the potential for increased crime.
Heather Dudfield said: 'Our village has recently had a large development on it and further development will take away from the village feeling and make it a suburb of Worcester, rather than village.
'It is very disappointing to see new build houses being hastily constructed on precious green land, rather than developing disused sites around the county.'
