FURIOUS Catshill residents have hit out over district council plans that would see more than 600 new homes built in the village.
It comes after the local parish council formally objected to Bromsgrove’s draft development strategy – a plan proposing thousands of new homes across the district.
The strategy identifies 21 potential development sites in the district from over 400 options – aiming to meet a government-mandated target of 9,000 new homes by 2043.
If adopted, Catshill would see 605 new homes – a significant number for the village.
Catshill and North Marlbrook Parish Council says the proposals contradict the village’s own Neighbourhood Plan, adopted in November 2021 and approved by the district council, which it believes carries statutory weight.
“Our community worked hard to create a neighbourhood plan that reflects local priorities and aspirations,” said Councillor Brett Laniosh, who chairs the parish authority.
“It is both disappointing and concerning to see development proposals brought forward that appear to disregard this statutory plan.”
In its objection, the council asked Bromsgrove District Council to recognise the legal standing of the neighbourhood plan and engage in meaningful dialogue to address policy conflicts.
Alongside this, local opposition is growing beyond the council chamber.
Bromsgrove MP Bradley Thomas, a vocal critic of greenbelt development, recently met with residents and councillors in Catshill who are pushing back against what they see as unsustainable growth without infrastructure support.
Responding to concerns, Bromsgrove District Council’s assistant director for planning, Ruth Bamford, said the council was ‘encouraged’ by the level of engagement.
“All responses will be carefully considered and will inform the next stage of the process,” she said, referring to a further round of consultation and a formal plan examination set for 2028.
Other proposed development within the plan includes 2,570 homes in Bromsgrove town centre, 500 in Alvechurch, 340 in Barnt Green, 530 in Hagley, 1,235 in Wythall, 500 in Stoke Prior and 3,000 in Frankley.
The public consultation is open until September 22. Drop-in sessions are taking place across the district for residents to learn more.
Visit www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/BromsgrovePlan or your local library for more information.
Catshill is just one of several parishes airing its grievances.
