Appeal on Northwick Road care home on donkey field dismissed

The plan to build a 70-bed care home on land known as the Donkey Field, off Northwick Road in Worcester, went to appeal after Wychavon District Council took too long to decide.

Campaigners began their protests four years ago after the plans were submitted by Northwick Developments Ltd and said they were delighted with the result.

Mary Drinkwater, campaigner and resident, said: "I am delighted at the decision of the planning inspectorate to dismiss the developer's appeal.

"We are so grateful that this view and wonderful wildlife habitat has been saved for the people of Worcester and we thank everyone who has helped us along the way.

"We don’t know what will come next but we will continue to campaign for the preservation of the Donkey Field."

It had been up to the government's planning inspectors to decide on the care home's future due to the developers appealing over 'non-determination', which means Wychavon District Council missed the statutory deadline of 13 weeks.

Ciaran Power, head of development management for Wychavon District Council, said the council has received a late objection from the flooding authority which led to the council taking longer to decide.

The application being dismissed has meant that it has been refused by the planning inspectorate.

But, there is still room for the developers to re-appeal this decision. 

Councillor Mel Alcott set up the first petition against the plans four years ago.

She said: "The first application was rejected and a second submitted. I chased and chased but no outcome.  

"It appears the planning department had further enquiries and the applicant was not responding.

"After a significant period, last year, the applicant put in an appeal against Wychavon District Council, for non determination. 

"More campaigning followed and finally, today, four years on, we have an outcome. Appeal dismissed. 

"The best outcome for residents, for visitors, for conservation, for heritage and for wildlife."