PLANS have been put in place which would eventually see a proposed new town near Worcester double in size.

The revised South Worcestershire Development Plan (SWDP), which sets out how more than 11,000 new homes will be built across the south of the county by 2041, includes plans for a huge new 5,000-home town at Worcestershire Parkway station near Worcester.

The centrepiece work is, however, also expected to double in size after 2041 with another 5,000 homes.

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The revised SWDP shows that half of the proposed new town at Worcestershire Parkway, which opened in 2019, would be built in the next 20 years and would then be expected to double in size, eventually including two new secondary schools, seven primary schools, a new college and a special educational needs school.

The goal is for the new town to also be carbon neutral, particularly through the use of renewable energy, and ‘self-sufficient’ with its own transport links, schools, GP surgeries and health facilities, and community and sports facilities.

The main town centre would be built in the next 20 years with two neighbourhood centres before another two neighbourhood centres are built alongside the extra 5,000 homes after 2041.

More than 120 acres would be set aside for business and employment space – particularly near junction 7 of the M5 and the A44.

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New shops, bars and restaurants would also be built beside a leisure centre, youth centre, sports facilities including rugby, football and cricket pitches, community centres, a police, fire and ambulance post, GP surgeries and a primary care centre.

Much has also been made of the proposed new town’s ‘green’ credentials with the huge new development expected to be carbon neutral and powered by renewable energy, including solar panels, with walking, cycling and public transport a key focus.

‘Mobility hubs’ with electric vehicle charging points and cycle and e-bike hire would also be built across the new town.

The review of the plan has been hampered by years of setbacks but has now finally been published in its most complete form – almost three years later than originally planned.