PLANS for 109 homes in Cofton Hackett have been passed as part of a wider development of Longbridge East site.

The plans form phase three of the overall development of Longbridge East which will see 564 homes once complete.

The original application, which consisted of 150 homes, including a five-storey high apartment block, was met with over 300 objections.

The planning committee report said there were concerns raised by the public relating to the ‘potential overshadowing from the proposed five storey apartment building’.

The report also stated: “Whilst members were aware of the council’s five-year housing land supply, concerns about the size and location of the proposed five storey apartment building needed to be reconsidered by the applicant.

“Other concerns related to the introduction of a through road within the scheme, onto Groveley Lane to the north, and the potential for a “rat-run” into the wider Longbridge East scheme.”

Bromsgrove Advertiser: CGI image of what the West side of the site could look like. (St Modwen)CGI image of what the West side of the site could look like. (St Modwen)

Developer, St Modwen then withdrew the application and reconsidered the whole scheme.

The current application does not include the apartment block or the through road, instead providing traditional two and three storey housing and cycle and pedestrian access.

The development, on the former MG Rover Works, will consist of 43 four bed homes, 44 three bed homes and 11 two bed homes.

It will also include 11 affordable homes, equalling to 10 per cent affordable housing – lower than the 35 per cent required by the Longbridge Area Action Plan.

However, the council agreed to the lower threshold of no market housing due to the significantly amended scheme.

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Due to the scale of the development, an open space must be provided. However, St Modwen are set to make a financial contribution to enhance Cofton Park and Lickey Hills Country Park instead.

Construction work must begin within the next three years.