Sarah Rees reports from the Oakalls and Parklands.
Following the public consultation meeting featured in the last issue, Newland Homes has studied all of the responses regarding the redevelopment of the land at Regents Park Road and Royal Worcester Crescent. More than 300 people attended the meeting and 62 formal responses were submitted.
Bromsgrove councillors are awaiting a detailed summary, but initial figures show that the majority of respondents, 53 per cent, do not want any residential development on the land.
However, it has always been known that the land would be developed at some point – the only questions were “when?” and “by whom?”
The proposed layout, which has received some positive comments, is below the density level Newland Homes could have put forward. Further to this, the company appears genuinely committed to listening to local views.
Regarding the proposal for two shops on the land, responses showed a clear 50/50 split although some people questioned if two shops were necessary and a single retail unit might be a good compromise. Objections to the shop(s) are generally based on potential problems relating to parking, noise and youth-related issues.
Traffic congestion and the already over-subscribed local schools continue to raise concerns. However, it is the social or affordable housing element which appears to be the biggest worry.
Commenting on the current status of the proposed development, Bromsgrove District Councillor Rod Laight (pictured above) says: “The councillors can do no more regarding this matter until planning permission has been formally applied for. However, Newland Homes still welcome constructive comments from residents as they prepare the final plans.”
Residents wishing to contact Newland Homes can do so by emailing: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or writing to Feedback, Newland Homes Ltd, 8 Lansdown Place, Cheltenham, GL50 2HU.
Other News
By the time you read this page the Jubilee celebration will have taken place – weather permitting. A review will appear in next month’s magazine.
In the run up to the Jubilee event several youths were seen destroying some of the posters which had been put up around The Oakalls and Parklands to promote the party.
The posters were purely to help ensure all residents were aware of the celebration – and the Events Association had paid to have them produced. The local policing team were made aware of the destruction and patrols of the area were increased.
Meanwhile, the Facebook page has broken the 100 threshold with 102 likes at the time of going to press. Visit https://www.facebook.com/theoakalls
Please contact me with views and concerns about any aspect of life on the estate: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Pictured above right: Coun Caroline Spencer, event organisers Steve Cutler and Marc Lawton and Coun Rod Laight with Ben Reynolds and Oscar Rees