Henwick Road Flats Approved Despite Concerns Over Parking Issues
Worcester City Council has approved a new apartment block plan, raising parking concerns among local councillors and residents.
Worcester, UK, Henwick Road, EGM Real Estate, Parking, Apartment Block
Worcester: The planning committee just gave the thumbs up for a new four-storey apartment block on the old Co-op staff car park on Henwick Road. Sounds exciting, right? But there’s a catch.
Some councillors are worried because not all the flats will have parking spaces. This could mean residents and their guests will be left hunting for parking on the nearby streets. Yikes!
Even though planning officers recommended moving forward, they noted a shortfall of 10 parking spaces. That’s a bit of a head-scratcher, isn’t it?
The site is currently just an empty lot. Dan Stiff from Boughton Butler, the architects, mentioned a survey showed nearby roads could handle the extra parking demand. But not everyone is convinced.
Cllr Richard Udall was pretty vocal, asking, “Where the hell are those spaces?” He thinks this development is way too much for the area and worries it’ll lead to chaos.
He also pointed out that while the site needs development, it could really mess with the nearby properties, like Merrick House.
Cllr Alan Amos agreed that while he’s not against using the site for homes, he feels it’s just too big. He criticized the excuses given by highways for ignoring their own parking policy.
Cllr Ed Kimberley chimed in, saying St John’s isn’t exactly overflowing with parking options. He raised a good point about where visitors and delivery drivers will park.
Councillors also brought up the lack of amenity space in the plans. Planning officer Paul Round mentioned there’s a communal garden and that it’s just a short walk to Cripplegate Park. Plus, delivery drivers can park on-site.
He argued that the location is sustainable, with easy access to Sainsbury’s, and it’ll provide affordable housing. But still, it’s a tough sell for some.
He reminded everyone that Worcester can’t show a five-year housing supply, so the government says they should approve housing plans unless the downsides are really significant.
Chair Karen Lewing noted how the committee feels limited by planning rules. It’s a tricky situation for sure!