A CONTROVERSIAL housing plan has been given the go-ahead three years after it first came to committee.

Outline planning permission was granted for the site off Boat Lane and Abbey Road, after Wychavon District Council's planning committee said that the applicant had rectified previous concerns.

The application for 200 homes was met with stiff opposition however, due to a perceived lack of detail, traffic concerns and issues with sewage as well as potential damage to heritage.

Cllr Tony Rowley, who proposed passing the motion, said: "Whilst I do not think there is a single member of this planning committee that does not have sympathy with the people of Evesham and the problems they face, we cannot ask the applicant to do any more.

"Since we deferred the application in October, the applicant has made a number of changes that we suggested.

"It has been outlined for development under SWDP and if we do not pass the application, we will have to find 200 more houses and answer why we have created this situation."

Cllr Richard Jones of Evesham Town Council called for a full planning application to be submitted instead of an outline plan.

He said: "The town council has strongly objected to this application from the start.
"Mistakes at this stage will reverberate around the town.

"Reserved matters receive much easier passage through the planning process than full applications.

"Outline approval could cause a wholly inappropriate plan so close to our town centre. 

"This application should continue to be rejected unless more infrastructure is built."

Cllr Jones also said that the number of vehicle movements would also increase pressure on already heavily burdened roads.

James Powell, of Evesham Civic Society added he believed that the sewage system has not improved in 25 years and that it is full to capacity.

Emma Stokes, district councillor for Bengeworth said: "I have serious concerns about the access and I believe highways have got it wrong.

"I believe they got in wrong when they were doing the High Street.

"I believe it was wrong when they closed Abbey Bridge and I think they have got it wrong with this application.

"Highways say they have no concerns, but have focused on the access for pedestrians and cyclists, not the number of cars.

"There are problems with vehicle access."

Malcolm Jones of Worcestershire Highways admitted it could increase traffic in the area, but said it had been judged that it would not be a "serious" rise.

Cllr Adrian Darby said that as Historic England had called for a full application before a decision was made, he was recommending rejection.

As part of the application, 11 hectares of open space is guaranteed as a condition, whilst there is also a children's play area.

Francesca Parmenter of David Lock Associates, an independent town planning consultant said: "We do understand the sensitivity of the site and have held meetings with the civic society, town council and Historic England.
"The applicant has listened to and reflected on the views expressed at the previous committee and the application before you responds to each of those points, removal of care facility, removal of employment use and a reduction in the number of homes."

Reserved planning applications will have to be submitted before building can commence.

The plan for 220 homes and a care home previously submitted was deferred in October 2017, before the care home and 20 homes was dropped from the application.

The application, submitted by Hallam Land Management was passed by 11 votes to three.