Further information in support of our intended application

The Site has been promoted through Bromsgrove District Council’s emerging Local Plan process and has been identified as a draft allocation under reference WY03. Wythall is recognised as one of the District’s larger and more sustainable settlements, supported by access to a range of local facilities and strong public transport connectivity, including both rail and bus services.

The Council’s assessment of the Site within the Local Plan evidence base concluded that it could provide a good option for allocation, noting that there are very few limiting constraints and that those identified can be appropriately mitigated either at the planning application stage or through suitable policy provision. The draft allocation status also provides a clear framework to guide any future outline planning application and ensure the proposals come forward in an acceptable manner.

The Site lies within the Green Belt. The proposals are being developed having regard to national Green Belt policy and the Government’s approach to grey belt land. Technical work undertaken indicates that the Site does not strongly contribute to the key Green Belt purposes

In accessibility terms, the Site is well positioned in relation to local services and facilities. Within a 10-minute walk, local facilities include bus stops, convenience stores, medical facilities and a pharmacy. Within a 25-minute walk, Wythall Railway Station, local schools, retail facilities, a post office and places of worship can be accessed.

Public transport is within close proximity, accessible from Station Road. The closest bus stops are located approximately 250 metres west of the Site access and are served by routes 664 and 665, providing two services per hour with connections to Solihull, Dickens Heath and Shirley. Wythall also sits on the eastern extent of Worcestershire’s on-demand bus service, allowing passengers to book journeys to a range of destinations across Worcestershire.

The proposals which form part of this consultation have been informed by the draft allocation and wider policy requirements, alongside site-specific technical work. The concept masterplan demonstrates how the Site can deliver up to 300 homes and a care home, extensive public open space and green infrastructure, and will seek to deliver a minimum 10% Biodiversity Net Gain in accordance with current legislation.

Lone Star Land have engaged with the relevant technical disciplines to inform the proposals, and this public consultation forms the next step in shaping an outline planning application. Feedback received will be considered as the proposals evolve, alongside continued engagement with the Council and statutory consultees.

A noise assessment will be undertaken to ensure that noise will not impact on the proposed development.

The Site contains a range of landscape features, including boundary planting, trees, hedgerows and waterbodies, which provide a strong structure for development and opportunities for enhancement. The proposals are shaped to retain key features and introduce new planting, helping integrate the development into its setting and maintain the identity and separation of Wythall and surrounding settlements.

In ecological terms, the Site is not located within any international or national nature conservation designations, and the dominant land use is arable cultivation, which is generally of low ecological value. Habitats of greater value (including woodland, ponds, hedgerows and trees) are present, and the masterplan approach allows for retention and enhancement of these features alongside the creation of new habitats as part of a longer-term biodiversity led landscape strategy.

The majority of the Site is located within Flood Zone 1, with areas of Flood Zones 2 and 3 concentrated towards the south-eastern corner, associated with the River Cole. The masterplan response ensures that development would be directed to the lowest risk areas, with flood-sensitive parts of the Site used positively as part of the wider green infrastructure and drainage strategy.

Surface water drainage will be addressed through the incorporation of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) and attenuation features, designed to manage water appropriately and avoid increasing flood risk elsewhere. Foul water and surface water would be managed separately, with further work undertaken as part of the proposed planning submission to confirm final design and capacity requirements.

A primary vehicular access can be achieved from Station Road in the form of a priority junction, designed in accordance with relevant highways guidance. Station Road has a 30mph speed limit in the vicinity of the Site, and appropriate visibility can be achieved to support a safe access arrangement. A further access arrangement is also identified to support pedestrian, cycle and emergency vehicle movement, strengthening permeability and connectivity.

The surrounding area benefits from established footways and walking routes, and the Site’s location enables access to facilities within short walking distances. Wythall Railway Station is also within easy reach, providing opportunities for future residents to travel sustainably and reduce reliance on private vehicles.

There is only one known heritage asset within the Site, comprising a locally listed building which is proposed to be retained as part of the emerging masterplan, with potential for it to be repurposed for community use serving both existing and future residents. There are no listed buildings within the Site or in its immediate vicinity.

Lone Star Land will be meeting with the Local Education Authority in March to discuss the education strategy. Feedback from this meeting will be reflected in the outline planning application submission.