Plans for 300 homes near Tiddesley Woods approved despite strong local objections
Pershore: Plans to build 300 homes near Tiddesley Woods are moving forward. This decision comes after a long appeal process. Many local residents, the council, and the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust strongly opposed the project.
The Planning Inspectorate approved the homes at Orchard Farm. They stepped in when Wychavon District Council couldn’t decide. The inspectorate reviewed all objections to weigh the negative impacts against potential benefits.
In their report, they stated that the benefits of the proposal outweighed the adverse impacts. They decided to grant planning permission with certain conditions.
Councillor Nicolas Wright, chair of the Wychavon Planning Committee, expressed disappointment. He said they fought hard against the proposal during the public inquiry.
Pershore Town Council was also upset by the approval. They have opposed this project since it was first proposed in 2023. A spokesperson said the council had consistently objected to any development at this site.
They highlighted the importance of Tiddesley Wood. Natural England warned that development could cause irreparable damage. The town council felt confident the project would be rejected.
Worcestershire Wildlife Trust also opposed the development. They manage Tiddesley Wood and believe it’s crucial for local wildlife. A spokesperson said allowing this project could harm environmental protections.
They acknowledged some mitigation efforts but remain skeptical. They believe these measures won’t fully protect the wood and its wildlife.
