Throw out Gladman Development's ‘unwelcome’ Bewdley housing appeal – Mark Garnier

Mr Garnier said he was surprised Gladman Developments had appealed against Government planning inspector Matthew Nunn’s decision to uphold Wyre Forest District Council’s decision to refuse permission for their scheme in Bark Hill.

In March Mr Nunn had announced he had found in favour of the authority, following an eight day inquiry held last year, as he said it would have an adverse impact on the rural landscape.

Gladman are believed to be appealing to the High Court because they feel the inspector used the incorrect test in asking the company to demonstrate “compelling reasons” for allowing the development.

Mr Garnier said: “Wyre Forest District Council is going through a consultation on the district plan and this is crucial as it is a democratic way of determining where we are going to put housing.

“Gladman’s plans are not included because no one in Wyre Forest wants houses where they are proposing to put them.

“The democratic view of local people is pretty clear and I sincerely hope that the High Court sees sense and listens to the views of everyone to block this unwelcome proposal.”

Wyre Forest Labour’s Stephen Brown added: “Gladman are trampling all over local people’s views and it is not a good way to endear themselves to the community.

“It is an unscrupulous misuse of the system and driven purely by greed.”

Rod Stanczyszyn, chairman of the Bewdley Says No to Gladman campaign group, said: “We share Mr Garnier’s surprise at this latest twist in Gladman’s attempt to burden the planning system and the tax payer.

“It beggars belief that the considered, thoroughly-argued dismissal of the application by a professional planning inspector should be challenged in this way.

“More than 800 local residents objected to the application from the start and many hundreds have agreed with the Bewdley Neighbourhood Plan proposals to keep this valued landscape as a green open space. Our strong and united campaign will continue.”