Developer wins appeal over golf course homes plan

More than 200 homes are set to be built on part of a golf course after the developer won an appeal prompted when the plan was thrown out.

Barratt David Wilson Homes will build the 214 houses after its proposal was rejected last year by Redditch Borough Council.

The council had refused the plans - which prompted "overwhelming" opposition from nearby residents - arguing there was already adequate future housing land allocated.

However, following a public inquiry, the planning inspector has ruled in favour of the developer, who says it will lead to a £5m investment in the area.

The plan includes 66 affordable properties, and the homes will be built on land west of Hither Green Lane, using a section of the Abbey golf course.

The majority of the land is designated as open space in Redditch's local plan, the authority's development blueprint.

Planning inspector Darren Hendley said the development would help with the shortfall of available housing.

"The proposal would make a contribution of 214 units to assist in reducing the deficit against the shortfall," he said.

"It would also contribute to meeting the Local Plan housing requirement."

Mark Jacobs, of residents' campaign group North Redditch Communities Alliance, said the approval had undermined local democracy.

"This development is being imposed on the community despite overwhelming local opposition and the considered judgment of our elected representatives," he said.

"It begs the question: what is the point of local planning processes if they can be so easily overridden by developers with deep pockets."

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