Decision due on plans for 200 homes at Cales Farm, Malvern

Hallam Land Management wants to build up to 200 homes on land at Cales Farm, near the existing Malvern Vale development.

Access to the site would be off Sayers Avenue.

The proposed development is the main item on the agenda for Malvern Hills District Council’s southern area planning committee, which meets on Wednesday (October 16) at 6pm.

WALKABLE: A map shows the places within walking distance of the site (Image: Hallam land managment)

Planning officers have recommended the scheme, which is currently at an outline planning stage, for approval but the final decision will rest with committee members.

Hallam Land Management specialises in getting planning permission for big developments before selling the land to housebuilders and held a consultation event at Malvern Vale Community Centre last year, where it said it got “valuable feedback from residents”.

READ MORE: Plans to build up to 200 new homes at Cales Farm, Malvern discussed

In plans submitted to the council, it says the vision for Cales Farm is a “connected and high quality residential development that is sensitive to its landscape setting close to the Malvern Hills AONB”.

Of the 200 homes, 40 percent would be “affordable housing” and half the site, totalling seven hectares, is earmarked to become “multifunctional green infrastructure”.

This would include children’s play areas, walking and cycling routes and wildlife corridors.

ACCESS: The existing access to Cales Farm (Image: MHDC/Google Maps)

But residents aren’t convinced and dozens of objections have been made to the scheme.

Stacey Hemming said: “More housing will take away the natural beauty of the area.

“This particular area is used in the spring and summer, enjoying the outdoor space with families and walking pets.

“I have concerns about the flood risk increasing, this area gets very wet in the winter and housing will not have this natural drainage from the hills.”

Natalie Mitchell said: “ Our local healthcare services, including general practitioners and dental practices, are already operating at capacity. Introducing hundreds of new residents will place further strain on these essential services, leading to longer waiting times and reduced access to care for all community members.”

Neighbours also raised concerns about the impact of the proposed development on local roads and whether it could also lead to a rise in anti-social behaviour.