PLANS for a controversial new housing estate on the outskirts of Worcester have secured the go-ahead - with councillors admitting it is "a shame" to lose agricultural land.

Cala Homes has secured final permission for a 128-property development at Gwillams Farm, off Ombersley Road in Bevere, Claines.

The green fields have long been earmarked for homes in the emerging South Worcestershire Development Plan (SWDP), the blueprint for new development, despite serious opposition over the years including 450 written objections and a 170-name petition.

An outline planning application was originally voted through in July 2013 and Wychavon District Council has now awarded a final, detailed plan the nod.

Eventually 230 properties will be built over the land, with developer Bellway Homes working on an adjoining patch, effectively making it a new 'north Worcester' extension.

A big new play area and extensive landscaping has formed part of the final details, with the land sitting in the Bevere Green Conservation Area.

It was voted through unanimously during a planning committee meeting despite a fresh objection from North Claines Parish Council.

Reuben Bellamy, from Cala Homes, said: "We've had some difficulties with this development but we're keen to start it, for us the critical thing is the Bevere Green Conservation Area.

"We'd like to thank people for helping us make this a scheme which befits the entrance to Worcester city."

Planning officer Neil Pearce told councillors the final application was "virtually identical" to the initial outline bid, saying there will be "lots of landscaping to the periphery of the site to take account of its heritage".

Councillor Tony Miller said: "This has come to us on a number of occasions, it's been a long process to get to this point.

"I've looked at the plans in great detail, I think we've got the best we could out of it, this brings it forward quite well.

"It's a nice piece of land we're developing, it's a shame to see agricultural land go but it's part of the development plan so let's see it come on."

Councillor Bradley Thomas, planning committee vice-chair, said: "It is a shame agricultural land is being lost, it's a pleasant site, but it has been allocated in the SWDP.

"Overall I'm quite pleased with it."

Historic England had written a letter saying it was vital to ensure the development did not detract from the Grade II listed Beechwood House property or the numerous Grade I listed homes nearby.

A green corridor of public open space will located throughout the
development, which will feature the full range of one, two, three, four and five-bed properties plus 51 affordable homes and dedicated parking lots, as well as potentially a bigger Gwillams Farm Shop.

After the meeting Neville Gwillam, who runs the family business, said it will remain open and look to slightly expand in the future.

"The original outline application included the ‘renewal’ or ‘enlargement’ of the farm shop,” said Mr Gwillam.

“At the moment we are still waiting to see what happens but we do want to slightly enlarge it to include a butcher, our very popular fish lady and a coffee shop all within the confines of the farm shop.

"Our shop is still very popular and we must continue growing our fresh vegetables to supply our very discerning customers.

“We are keeping 1.5 to two acres of land by the shop, and we still farm 150 acres ourselves.”

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