Developer 'driving a bulldozer through democracy'

Granting planning permission to more than 200 homes on the edge of Redditch would "drive a bulldozer through democracy", campaigners have said.

Developer Barratt David Wilson Homes' plans to build on a golf course and open land were initially rejected by Redditch Borough Council last year.

However, with government planning reforms more than tripling Redditch's annual house building target, the developers have appealed, arguing the district has "unmet housing need".

The council said it was not in the public interest to "spend thousands of pounds of public money" defending its decision at a planning inquiry.

But some residents warned that could set a worrying precedent.

"The key reason that concerns me is local democracy… developers with deep pockets driving a bulldozer through it," said Angela Dixon, a resident and member of North Redditch Communities Alliance (NoRCA).

The campaign group spoke against the development at the public inquiry, which finished last week at Redditch's Woodrow Centre.

Barratt David Wilson Homes want to build 214 homes, 66 of which would be affordable, on part of the town's Abbey Golf Club.

Mrs Dixon pointed out Redditch's local plan – a blueprint created by its council – had not allocated the land for housing development.

"A lot of councils are cash-strapped… if they have a plan then they may not be able to afford to defend themselves at inquiry," she said.

When the plans were first considered by Redditch's planning committee last March they were unanimously rejected by councillors, after they argued the district already had an adequate supply of housing land allocated for future years.

"The council said 'we've run out of money.'

"It's very frustrating," said Nitin Sodha, another resident and business owner, "what's the point of democracy":[]}