Work begins on controversial multi-million pound Stourbridge development

Developer Cala Homes has started constructing the first of the properties on land off Kidderminster Road.

The developer will also begin work to revamp the A456 Kidderminster Road roundabout and the junction of Kidderminster Road and Worcester Road as well as installing pedestrian crossings today.

This part of the scheme is expected to take 26 weeks.

The project has attracted criticism from residents with campaigners arguing it would exacerbate traffic problems in the village and put pressure on school places and village facilities. A petition of 4,000 names was raised by residents.

But outline planning permission for the development on land off Kidderminster Road was approved by members of Bromsgrove District Council in January last year before councillors granted approval for the detailed proposals at a meeting in September.

The development, to be known as Wychbury Fields, will feature two, three, four and five bedroom homes.

Cala Homes says the scheme has been designed around a 'village green' concept within a parkland setting and the houses have been designed in keeping with existing architecture in the village.

Robert Monkman, sales and marketing director for Cala Homes Midlands, said: "Hagley is a highly aspirational location and this is a flagship development for Cala and we have designed a high quality scheme, which is traditional in design and sensitive to its village location which will

have broad appeal. The considerable contribution we will be making to improvements to local infrastructure and services will also mean that the development will benefit the wider community.

"We have worked very closely with Bromsgrove District Council and the local community to create an aspirational range of new homes for every type of buyer. We have already received a great deal of interest, with a considerable database of interested purchasers ahead of the properties being

released for sale in October."

As part of the development, the developer will contribute £800,000 towards education facilities and around £85,000 towards improvements at Hagley Surgery to help both cope with increasing numbers.

While £1million is being spent on work on the Kidderminster Road roundabout. Temporary road closures will be in place at times during the work.

Hagley Parish Council was among those who objected to the scheme. After planning permission was approved, chairman Steve Colella said the authority would work with the developer to ensure the village benefits from the scheme.