A PROPOSAL to build a combination of 86 affordable homes and retirement apartments at the site of a former fire station and library in Bromsgrove was turned down by the District Council’s Planning Committee.
The application was rejected by eight votes to one because of ‘poor urban design’.
The development would have involved the building of 49 retirement and 37 affordable living apartments by McCarthy and Stone.
Councillors agreed the development would ‘disrupt the free flow of traffic on Windsor Street and Stratford Road’ – saying it would lead to ‘a severe impact on the highway network.’
The committee concluded the project lacked ‘infrastructure provision’ and would leave a ‘negative impact’ on the appearance of the area because of its poor design.
Coun May said: “We do have a need for affordable housing, but it really isn’t the prettiest outlook.”
Coun Hotham said he agreed with the principle of the project however it FA member of the public who stood to speak from the gallery said there were already too many retirement homes in Bromsgrove and there was a danger of it becoming a place for ‘old people.’
He added the site would be better used for younger people and families.
