Social Value Ideas for Malvern Hills District Council

Neighborhood planning fund approved

Members approved an allocation of £100,000 from earmarked reserves to support the Malvern Hills neighbourhood planning fund, delegating implementation to the Director of Planning and Infrastructure an…

“The recommendations are as in uh item two on this uh basically to approve an allocation of £100,000 from the priorities in marmarked reserve to Molvin…”

Flood risk blocks holiday cabins

Members identified flood risk as a major pressure for the Lockeridge Lane proposal, citing parts of the site in flood zones 2 and 3, incomplete drainage information, and lack of a site-specific flood …

“It's now clear that a flood risk assessment is required for the proper consideration of this application and we don't agree that this can adequately b…”

Air quality SPD adopted

Council approved adoption of the draft Air Quality Supplementary Planning Document following consultation. The document will be a material consideration in planning applications and provide guidance o…

“Um, this is a recommendation that council notes the outcome of a statutory public consultation on the draft air quality supplementary planning documen…”

Lockeridge Lane approved works rejected

The 10-log-cabin holiday lodge proposal at Lockeridge Lane was refused after members judged the site unsuitable because of flood risk, access, amenity and landscape harm. This stops the proposed devel…

“So on that basis chair I'd like to make a proposal to uh reject this application. And I do have a list of SWTP to help the officer compile that respon…”

Refusal on planning harm

The committee refused the outline application after hearing evidence and debate. The refusal reasons cited unacceptable pressure on infrastructure and services, highway safety concerns from inadequate…

“I would then ask for a second. Uh councelor Harrison, >> I will be seconded, but uh there are a couple more I think that should be included. John ment…”

Refusal of 14 affordable homes

Members resolved to refuse the application for 14 affordable dwellings at Pick End despite the officer recommendation for approval. The decision was driven by concerns about density, scale, massing, d…

“I think there are perfectly sensible grounds for refusal if members are minded to go down that route uh and the conservation officer and the landscape…”

Approval of vet practice extension

The committee approved a planning application for a single-storey extension to the existing veterinary practice on Tenbury Wells Business Park. The decision included an additional condition recommende…

“"The application proposes a singlestory extension to the east side of the building on land which is currently a service yard. The extension would meas…”

Housing scheme deferred for more evidence

The committee deferred the outline housing application rather than determining it, because members wanted clarification on highways/access details and on whether the housing needs evidence remained re…

“Right. Um, do you want that before we go to the votes? Mr. Chairman, will that include the access that they state is to be provided from that little t…”

Nunham Bridge refusal

The committee ultimately refused the three-dwelling application at Nunham Bridge after officers warned that the site is open countryside and not a category village with a development boundary. Members…

“Nunan Bridge is a settlement without a development boundary in open countryside. The site's location isn't considered to be a suitable location in ter…”

Adoption of SWDPR

Council adopted the South Worcestershire Development Plan Review, which becomes the new local plan once approved by all three councils. The plan is intended to support housing delivery, economic growt…

“Uh the intention is that this has come forward as the first item on the agenda tonight. First main item on the agenda to adopt the southwester develop…”

Main modifications consultation approved

The council approved going out to public consultation on the South Worcestershire Development Plan Review main modifications, including authority for minor factual and typographical amendments. The de…

“agenda five starts on page one, finishes on page 1,143. South Wershare Development Plan Review, main modifications consultation. Please remember it's …”

Consult on SPD update

Council approved a draft Developer Contributions Supplementary Planning Document for consultation. The SPD is needed before national changes remove the ability to approve new SPDs, and it covers devel…

“These are supplementary planning documents which are here for approval. Now the difficulty here is the whole planning system changes uh and we have to…”

Proactive affordable housing approach

Members approved a new approach to improving affordable housing delivery, based on the Campbell Tickell review. The report identified an estimated shortfall of around 72 affordable homes per year and …

“Strategic side of the SWDPR has been adopted March 26 and that carries the full weight now in determining planning applications. Uh, in addition, we'v…”

New housing strategy for homelessness pressure

Members endorsed a renewed strategic approach to housing in response to rising homelessness duties, temporary accommodation use, and a shortage of affordable homes. The strategy prioritises strengthen…

“So, this report brings those issues together, outlines how we intend to respond in a more joined up and proactive way and focuses really on core four …”

Dedicated empty homes officer model

Officers described the Witchaven model where a dedicated empty homes officer brought seven properties back into use in her first six months through direct intervention, site visits and advisory work. …

“we've taken some learning for some work that uh we were able to do in witchaven whilst I wouldn't always bring you something that has been done first …”