On February 27 Wychavon planners approved two applications to build in Broadway, one for 13 townhouses in the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and one for five suburban-style houses in the conservation area.

In both cases planners failed in their statutory duty to apply the test of whether these houses would “preserve or enhance” the area.

Planning officers disregarded the requirements governing ANOBs and conservation areas, which are governed by the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, and ignored Wychavon’s own Broadway conservation area adoption statement 2006, which was not even mentioned as a material consideration.

In this statement, Wychavon very clearly set out that it would achieve preservation by refusing developments that, like this one, resulted in loss of tree cover, boundary features (eg hedges) and ridge and furrow grassland.

It also sets out the kind of development that is to be avoided, of which the application was a prime example.

Worcestershire’s own highways design guide was similarly ignored.

Such approvals of development that contravene standing national and district council policies set a very dangerous precedent, and will lead to many more such applications, and subsequent and permanent loss of our heritage for future generations.

Particularly in these times of a veritable building bonanza Journal readers concerned about the preservation of our natural and architectural heritage will be dismayed to learn that our own planning officers are not acting in the best interests of conservation, and encouraging elected planning committee members to grant approvals, motivated by fear of sanctions if they fail to meet targets set by central government.

If you are worried about these issues, you may wish to lobby your district councillors, especially those who are planning committee members, and encourage them to be aware of the relevant legislation and be prepared to abide by the policies.

Dr Thomas Bloch

Broadway