Thousands of homes on way
Thousands of homes, the equivalent of a fourth town for Wyre Forest, could be built to cater for housing demand forecast by the latest Government figures.Thousands of homes, the equivalent of a fourth town for Wyre Forest, could be built to cater for housing demand forecast by the latest Government figures. But council leaders say they will fight any move to build in the Green Belt. Forecasts show that up to 575,000 homes will be needed across the West Midlands to cope with demand up to 2021. Of those, as many as 4,600 and 4,700 homes would be required in the Wyre Forest District to simply meet local needs. Even more would be needed to cater for people moving into the district. Read the full story in the Express & Star
But council leaders say they will fight any move to build in the Green Belt. Forecasts show that up to 575,000 homes will be needed across the West Midlands to cope with demand up to 2021.
Of those, as many as 4,600 and 4,700 homes would be required in the Wyre Forest District to simply meet local needs.
Even more would be needed to cater for people moving into the district.This would mean the number of homes needed being equivalent to a town the size of Bewdley.
The figures are outlined in the West Midlands Regional Spacial Strategy.
Councillor Stephen Clee, leader of Wyre Forest District Council, said: "I am encouraging property officers to look at every part of the brownfield sites available for building instead of any incursion into the Green Belt.
"We do not want to intrude into the countryside when there is industrial land sat there which could be used.
"We are confident we can deliver about 5,000 homes without affecting the Green Belt but are gravely concerned about the need for 60,000 homes for Worcestershire, the equivalent of two towns the size of Droitwich.
"This could see 16,000 built in Wychavon district which borders the Wyre Forest and if they build near our borders this will have a knock-on effect.
"At the council's cabinet meeting tonight we will call for no more houses in the county unless the infrastructure is put in first.
"There is a need for a second bridge in Stourport-on-Severn linking to the west side to the Stourport dual carriageway."
Councillors want to see a report calling for a second bridge for Stourport and for Worcester City as well as improvements in rail and road transport.
By Sue Smith
