Fernhill Heath 'disregarded' after 130 home plan approved

Residents in Fernhill Heath fought for over a year against what many have called a new estate in Dilmore Lane in Fernhill Heath.

Developers Lioncourt Homes had formally appealed against Wychavon District Council's decision after they rejected the 130-home plan in a meeting in May.

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"I, along with residents, fought at the appeal for the planning inspector to honour the democratic decision made by Wychavon - they have chosen not to listen," said Wychavon District Councillor Daniel Birch.

"The planning inspector in their report admits that this application will have severe harm on the landscape of the area, essentially admitting it’s wrong.

"However, they chose to overlook this in favour of building more houses.

NEW: The layout for the proposed 130 homes off Dilmore Lane and Suffolk Way in Fernhill Heath (Image: Lioncourt Homes) "We are in no way NIMBYs, but building 130 homes down a country lane that has collectively been described as unsuitable is just wrong.

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"Plain and simple."

The council initially refused the plans over increased traffic concerns on narrow roads in Fernhill Heath due to congestion on the A38, which would be outside the village boundary.

However, the planning inspectorate found the land was "not a valued landscape" but the proposal would still "harm the character and appearance of the area".

CHANGE: The field currently as you drive by on Dilmore Lane. (Image: Newsquest) But after balancing this with the public benefits - 130 new homes - the inspector fell in the developer's favour.

"Collectively, these benefits attract substantial weight in favour of the scheme," the report said.

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"My view is that the identified harms do not significantly and demonstrably outweigh the public benefits of the scheme."

The decision was made on Monday, November 25.

Vicky Bilton, from Lioncourt Homes, said the development would reflect the local character of Fernhill Heath and connect to the village.

 The development is believed to help make up a housing shortfall of 1,500 homes across the district.

The proposal now also includes land for a village hall, which must be secured through a section 106 agreement.

Cllr Birch added: "The inspectorate has once again disregarded Fernhill Heath, but as a community, we will once again come together and fight for our village."