HOMES fit for heroes are to be built at a former army headquarters on the outskirts of Worcester.
Wychavon District Cou-ncil’s planning committee has given the thumbs-up to plans to build 10 affordable homes for ex-servicemen at former regimental headquarters of the 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Worces-ters and Foresters), despite concerns too many properties were being squeezed onto the site.
Four three-bedroom homes as well as six apartments – a pair of two-bedroom and four one-bedroom – will be built at the 0.16-hectare site in Crookbarrow Road, Norton, which was used as the Worcester Outstation until 2009.
Resident Andrew Bartlett, of nearby Mandalay Drive, said at the meeting he was firmly in favour of Rooftop Housing Group’s plans in principle but was concerned the new homes would be too tightly packed.
“The proposal is attempting to squeeze 10 homes fit for heroes into a site smaller than three tennis courts,” he said.
He said he did not feel residents in the area had been given sufficient say on the plans, saying: “The challenge here is to do something in honourable remembrance of the Worcestershire regiment – something we can be proud of.”
Rooftop Housing’s senior programme delivery officer Katherine Portman said any fewer than 10 homes would not be financially viable for the company, but they would ensure ex-servicemen from the area were given every chance to apply for the homes before they were offered more widely.
The Mercian Regiment have the freedom of both Wychavon district and the city of Worcester.
Councillor Rob Adams said although he would not support the application if it was for general housing, he felt it was important these sorts of homes were available to members of the armed forces.
“Over the years nothing has united this council more than motions to support the armed forces,” he said.
However, a number of members said they were concerned about the design of the homes, which were described as “boxes” and “rabbit hutches”.
Coun Emma Stokes said: “I’m extremely grateful for what they do and I don’t want to put them in a tiny box. “We can do better than this.”
However, Coun Audrey Steel said: “I bet these will be nicer homes to live in than some of the married quarters they will have been living in.”
The plans were approved by 11 votes to two, with one abstention.
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