CHANCELLOR Rachel Reeves has announced plans to push through several housing developments, including one near Worcester. 

In a speech on Monday (July 8), Ms Reeves confirmed plans for a taskforce that will "accelerate stalled housing sites" including a development near Worcestershire Parkway. 

This, alongside sites in Liverpool, Cambridgeshire and Sutton Coldfield, will represent over 14,000 new homes that have been fast-tracked.

Nigel Huddleston, Conservative MP for Droitwich and Evesham, said: "During the election campaign I expressed grave concerns about Labour's instincts to make top-down decisions that impact the countryside from offices in Whitehall, and I am alarmed that within days of being elected, that is exactly what they appear to be doing.

"I believe that it is vitally important that local stakeholders keep a strong voice in decisions that affect the area that they know best.

"While we all know we need more housing, it has to be in the right place, on the right scale and with appropriate infrastructure - including transport, health and education services.

"The reason why the land around Worcestershire Parkway has not been developed is precisely because of such concerns.

In October 2023, a new plan was announced for 2,500 new homes between M5 J7 and Worcestershire Parkway. The development was part of a wider plan to build 10,000 new houses over two decades. However, no further advancements have been made since the announcement.

Mr Huddleston said: "I am always willing to work constructively across political parties on sensible ideas. But unless local views are taken into consideration and the location, scale and supporting infrastructure of their proposals are clear, they will not be getting my support."

Alongside the taskforce, Ms Reeves announced an additional 300 planning officers for councils and the removal of the ban on onshore wind farms in England.