It was trouble in the underworld below M5 Junction 6 and environs which led to the creation of The Witch of Worcester’s Blog – please see the December 2006 E-Pantomime @http://janetmackinnon.blogspot.com – and it is to the planning problems of those parts that I must now return.
In short, the company known as Worcester Bosch and regional development agency Advantage West Midlands are due to submit a planning application for a new manufacturing facility to the east of M5 J6. This application was delayed, incidentally, so as not to become subject matter for the recent West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy proposed Phase 2 Revision Examination-in-Public (now closed).
From what was said at the above Examination, it is understood that the subject of ancillary development will form part of the South Worcestershire Joint Core Strategy “Options” and “Site Allocations” process.
The option of Worcester Bosch relocating to Longbridge – where there is plenty of land available- was, however, raised at the WMRSS EIP session on South Worcestershire, but procedural constraints prevented a real discussion of this, which was a shame because some very real development constraints exist in the area of M5 J6, notably transport related.
In the meantime, what is happening at Longbridge ? Not a lot by all accounts, although an Area Action Plan was recently approved. Greenfield sites are so much more attractive, it seems.
However, I would caution those involved in the M5 J6 proposals, including landowner Spetchley Estates, against thinking that they have a done deal, even with planning authorities so supine as those in South Worcestershire; and recommend that full alternative location and site options appraisals (including environmental assessments) are undertaken. Better safe than sorry, as they say !
More information about Worcester Bosch can be found @
