Developer moves to allay fears over housing scheme on former industrial site

The developer behind plans to demolish an industrial building to make way for a housing scheme has moved to allay residents’ fears over their planning application.

Lockley Homes wants to build eight three-storey buildings in Pope Iron Road in Worcester but the plans have raised a number of objections from neighbours who say they are concerned the buildings would lead to parking issues and a loss of privacy and sunlight.

The plans are due to be considered by Worcester City Council planning committee on Thursday 24 October.

Karl Lockley, joint managing director of Lockley Homes, said they had been working with the city council to address these issues.

“We had originally planned for a development more in a Georgian/Victorian style but after local consultation we redesigned the scheme more in-line with the latest development of Gheluvelt Mews next door.

“The council has suggested this style is more in keeping and we agree.

“Planners also suggested the L-shaped design to open up the road and allow sunlight through to the street.”

Lockley said he sympathised over parking issues but pointed out that in the past 40 tonne articulated lorries had used the street to make regular deliveries to the old Painters foundry on which Lockley Homes’ proposed development is situated.

“By using this site for housing, this has alleviated this particular issue, and we would also point out that for visitors to the street, there is a public car park with more than 20 spaces in Waterworks Road which is close to Pope Iron Road.

“I believe residents in Pope Iron Road will come to recognise us as good neighbours and in time will support our proposed scheme.”