The SWDP is a planning framework that aims to ensure development has a positive impact on the environment. It has been jointly prepared by the three authorities of Malvern Hills, Wychavon and Worcester City. It forms the heart of the new Local Development Framework.
It considers the long term vision and objectives for South Worcestershire and contains the policies for delivering these objectives in a planned and cohesive manner.
This South Worcestershire Development Plan:
- allocates larger ‘strategic' sites across South Worcestershire;
- provides policies to ensure that any development is sustainable;
- and assesses all other potential development sites whether for housing, employment, retail, education, health, community use or an open space use.
You can read more about the SWDP and access evidence base documents on the dedicated SWDP website.
SWDP Review
The South Worcestershire Councils (SWC) i.e. Malvern Hills, Worcester and Wychavon started a review of the SWDP in late 2017. Further information relating to the SWDP review can be found on the SWDP website.
SWDP Review Submission
On Wednesday 27 September 2023, following the Regulation 19 consultation in November and December 2022, the south Worcestershire Councils have formally submitted the South Worcestershire Development Plan Review (SWDPR) and associated evidence base documents to the Secretary of State for independent examination.
An independent Inspector will be appointed by the Planning Inspectorate (PINS) to assess the Plan and its accompanying evidence base. The Inspector will take into account the representations received at the Regulation 19 consultation stage and will likely identify matters to consider as part of the examination. Subsequently, the Council and interested parties will be invited to attend a series of hearing sessions.
The south Worcestershire Councils have appointed a Programme Officer to organise and administer the examination, including the anticipated public hearing sessions. The timings of these sessions will be confirmed in due course.
A dedicated Examination web page has been created and all relevant documents are available to view at South Worcestershire Development Plan Review | Local Plan Examination Services (localplanservices.co.uk).