Supplementary Planning Documents and Guidance

Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs)

SPDs provide guidance on the implementation and delivery of planning policy set out in the City's Local Plan policies.

Revised Developer Contributions Supplementary Planning Document

The Revised Developer Contributions SPD sets out guidance relating to the collection of developer contributions, to be used when determining planning applications.

Renewable and Low Carbon Energy Supplementary Planning Document

The Revised Developer Contributions SPD sets out guidance relating to the collection of developer contributions, to be used when determining planning applications.

Water Management and Flooding SPD

The Renewable and Low carbon Energy SPD sets out guidance on how the requirements in Policy SWDP 27 relating to Renewable and Low Carbon Energy should be applied. It includes guidance on what must be provided in Energy Assessments; issues that need to be considered when examining the potential for decentralized energy and heat networks in large scale development proposals to comply with SWDP 27B; the various renewable and low carbon energy technologies and the planning issues associated with each technology that will need to be addressed.

Design Quality SPD

The Design Guide SPD covers the local planning authorities of Malvern Hills District Council, Worcester City Council and Wychavon District Council (known collectively as the South Worcestershire Councils (SWC).

The SPD provides additional guidance on how the SWDP design related policies should be interpreted, for example through the design and layout of new development and public spaces across south Worcestershire, and is consistent with the planning policies in the SWDP, in particular SWDP21 Design. It is aimed at built design professionals, e.g. architects, urban designers and developers but it will also be of relevance to anyone else with an interest in the delivery of quality residential design and public spaces.

The Design Guide SPD was formally adopted on Monday 5 March 2018.

Planning for Health in South Worcestershire SPD

The south Worcestershire councils adopted the Planning for Health SPD on 21 September 2017. It provides more detailed guidance on the implementation of policies within the South Worcestershire Development Plan and sets out the requirements for Health Impact Assessment.

Adopted Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Document (SPD)

The Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning Document covers the administrative areas of Worcester City Council, Malvern Hills District Council and Wychavon District Council. It explains the details of the South Worcestershire Development Plan (SWDP) policies that relate to the provision of affordable housing. It is a guide intended to help developers, landowners, applicants applying for planning permission, registered providers and others who are seeking to provide or benefit from affordable housing.

The Affordable Housing SPD was formally adopted on 26th October 2016.

Houses in Multiple Occupancy Supplementary Planning Document

Houses in Multiple Occupancy Supplementary Planning Document (October 2014)

SEA Screening Statement

Shrub Hill Quarter Concept Master Plan

A draft SPD is currently in development.

The City Centre Master Plan and the South Worcestershire Development Plan have designated Shrub Hill as an Opportunity Zone for new mixed employment and residential development. Worcester City Council and Worcestershire County Council - which is now the owner of the Shrub Hill Industrial Estate - are working collaboratively to plan for the regeneration of this area, building on its heritage, natural assets and rail connections. We will be working with key landowners and occupiers and stakeholders to shape its future.

In July 2023 a public exhibition was held to introduce the potential of the quarter, the opportunities and constraints at the site. The exhibition panels can be viewed below. A Supplementary Planning Document is being developed, setting out a framework for future planning and investment decisions. The formal consultation on the draft SPD will be held later in 2023.