‘Topping up’ homes scheme is opposed (From Cotswold Journal)

‘Topping up’ homes scheme is opposed

11:00am Friday 18th January 2013 in News

EVESHAM town councillors have opposed plans for 30 new houses in the town, calling it “development through the back door.”

The council was being consulted on the proposals by Robert Hitchins Ltd which, if successful, would see the demolition of existing buildings and 30 new houses built on land off Cheltenham Road.

But they are hopeful the planning authority will refuse the application, which is next door to another larger housing estate being built by the same developer.

Coun Gerry O’Donnell said: “I recommend refusal. The first application came in some time ago for nearly 180 houses on this site. It was refused because of the number of houses. It was resubmitted for 158 houses, which was approved.

“They are now coming to top up that application. We were given assurances at the time this plot would be left untouched.

“Now we have them coming back and topping up to the level of houses they requested before.”

Developers Robert Hitchins first applied to build 175 houses on the site in April 2010.

This application was refused and they were later granted permission to build up to 158 houses on the site.

Coun John Smith added: “It is more development through the back door. I hope the council refuses this.”

A date has not yet been set for when Wychavon District Council planning committee will make a decision about the application.