A PROPERTY speculator whose plans to build almost 200 houses on Bewdley fields were thrown out is taking the fight to the High Court.

Gladman Developments have appealed Government planning inspector Matthew Nunn’s decision to uphold Wyre Forest District Council’s refusal of permission for their scheme in Bark Hill.

The news – which came just a day before the six week period for Gladman to appeal was due to expire – is a blow to campaigners who have been fighting the plans since August 2016. They described Gladman’s appeal as “disappointing and unwelcome”.

An eight day public inquiry was held last year and, in March, Mr Nunn announced he had found in favour of the district council, saying the development would have an adverse impact on the rural landscape of Bewdley.

It is thought the grounds for the High Court appeal are based on Gladman’s belief the inspector used the incorrect test in asking the company to demonstrate ‘compelling reasons’ for granting permission.

Gladman did not comment on the decision when approached by The Shuttle but have previously argued there is an acute need for more homes in Bewdley and that 59 of their properties would be affordable housing.

Rod Stanczyszyn, chairman of the Bewdley Says No to Gladman group, said: "Gladman's application to the High Court for a judicial review is disappointing and unwelcome, both to Wyre Forest District Council and especially to the residents of Bewdley.

“The eight day public inquiry, held last autumn, was conducted with complete fairness and transparency by an experienced planning inspector whose report was comprehensive and well-argued.

“The inspector's comments that the proposed development would cause "very serious material harm to the character and appearance of the area, and specifically to this valued landscape" was an unequivocal recognition of what local residents and others know, that this land should remain as an open green space.

“Once again, this latest episode demonstrates how the planning system is burdened by companies who believe they can undermine it by trying to argue that their experts are right, irrespective of the wishes of local residents.

“As we have said previously, and will continue to say, Gladman will never be the solution to planning issues and building the right houses in the right places."