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Technical Note 2: Wyre Forest Local Plan – Summary of Green Belt Site Assessments

1. Introduction

This Technical Note summarises the assessment of Green Belt sites which are proposed for development within the emerging Wyre Forest District Local Plan. The summary combines those sites which were assessed as part of the 2017 Site Assessment process1 along with additional site assessments set out in: Wyre Forest District Local Plan – Additional Green Belt Site Assessments.

Site Reference Location Page Site Reference Location Page

FPH/27 Land adjacent Easter Park, Worcester Road 16 LI/13 Land Off Zortech Avenue 32

WFR/WC/15 Lea Castle Village – main site 18 MI/18 Land North of Wilden Industrial Estate 34

WFR/WC/32 Lea Castle Village – land to the east 20 MI/36 Firs Yard, Wilden Lane 35

WFR/WC/33 Lea Castle Village – land to the west 22 MI/38 School Site, Coniston Crescent 36

WFR/WC/34 Lea Castle Village – land to the north 24 OC/5 Land at Husum Way 38

LI/10 Land r/o Zortech Avenue 26 OC/6 Land east of Offmore 40

LI/11 Land west of former school site Coniston Crescent 28 OC/12 Comberton Lodge Nursery 42

LI/12 Former Burlish Golf Course Clubhouse 30 OC/13N Land at Stone Hill North 44

1 (GB02) GB review – Part 2: Site Analysis (May 2018) - https://www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk/media/3991681/Green-Belt-Review-Part-II-Analysis-of-Sites-May-2018- update.pdf (GB02a) GB review – Part 2: Site Analysis (May 2018) – Appendix C - https://www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk/media/3991987/Green-Belt-Review-Part-II-May-2018-Appendix-C.pdf

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Site Reference Location Page Site Reference Location Page

WA/BE/1 Stourport Road Triangle 46 WA/UA/4 Allotments, Upper Arley 63

WA/BE/3 Catchem’s End 48 WA/UA/6 Red Lion Car Park 65

WA/BE/5 Land south of Habberley Road 50 WFR/CC/8 Fold Farm, Chaddesley Corbett 66

WA/KF/3 Land at Low Habberley 52 WFR/WC/36 Rock Tavern Car Park, Caunsall 67

WFR/CB/3 Land off Station Drive, Blakedown 54 WFR/WC/37 Land at Caunsall Road, Caunsall 69

WFR/WC/12 Lawnswood 56

WFR/WC/18 Sion Hill School site 58 PDL SITES Cursley Distribution Park 70

MI/24 adj. Rock Tavern, Wilden Lane 60 Rushock Trading Estate 72

WA/UA/1 Bellman’s Cross, Shatterford 61 West Midlands Safari Park 74

SUMMARY OF CONTRIBUTION TO GREEN BELT PURPOSES AND EFFECT OF DEVELOPMENT ON THE GREEN BELT

Site Contribution to Green Belt Purpose Commentary Effect of Development LC = Limited Contribution, C = Contribution, SC = Significant Contribution Sprawl Sprawl Merger Encroachment Setting Overall

FPH/27 Land adjacent LC LC LC C LC LIMITED CONTRIBUTION Development would have a limited effect on openness, Easter Park, being dominated by urban uses to the north and west. The site makes a very limited contribution to Worcester However, a degree of sensitivity in the scale and massing of Green Belt purposes strategically and locally, Road development would need to be exercised given the site’s being strongly bounded on all sides and place as part of the southern gateway to Kidderminster largely visually isolated from the Green Belt to along the A449. the east and south. The local context, which

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Site Contribution to Green Belt Purpose Commentary Effect of Development LC = Limited Contribution, C = Contribution, SC = Significant Contribution Sprawl Sprawl Merger Encroachment Setting Overall

has a strongly urbanised character, adds to the sense of disconnection of the site from Green Belt purposes.

WFR/WC/15 Lea Castle C LC C LC C CONTRIBUTION The effect on openness of the Green Belt in this location Village – main would be neutral, reflecting the site’s previously developed The character of the site, being previously site nature although this is dependent upon retention of the developed and strongly bounded physically current development footprint, building density and height. and visually, means that the overall impact of development on Green Belt purposes would be limited. However, should development encroach beyond current developed footprint then the impact would be significantly greater, reflecting careful siting of past development on a plateau and the benefit of landscape planting containing visual impacts.

WFR/WC/32 Lea Castle SC LC C C SC SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION Development is judged to have a significant effect on the Village – land openness of the Green Belt in this location, being on the Overall, the site makes a significant to the east flanks of rising land which is exposed to the south and contribution to the Green Belt through its role south east. The land is part of the north eastern gateway to in safeguarding the countryside from Kidderminster and notwithstanding the presence of the Lea encroachment (clearly being visually and Castle site immediately to the north west, would introduce functionally part of the open countryside to development into open countryside. the north of Kidderminster) and sprawl along the A451. Development would have a significant effect on openness reflecting the partial enclosure of the site and its visually

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Site Contribution to Green Belt Purpose Commentary Effect of Development LC = Limited Contribution, C = Contribution, SC = Significant Contribution Sprawl Sprawl Merger Encroachment Setting Overall

sensitivity creating a fundamentally new character to this gateway to Kidderminster.

WFR/WC/33 Lea Castle C LC C LC C CONTRIBUTION The site contributes to the openness of the countryside in Village – land this locality reflecting its scale and orientation, despite The site contributes to the role of the wider to the west being enclosed on two sides by built development. There is Green Belt, being part of open countryside to a visual connection with open land to the west, which the north of Kidderminster. The land forms the together with this land forms a distinct countryside context principal context of the northern gateway to for the northwest of Kidderminster. Kidderminster along the A449 Wolverhampton Road and development would alter the relationship between town and country in this location.

WFR/WC/34 Lea Castle C LC C LC C CONTRIBUTION Development, whilst bounded on all sides, would intrude Village – land upon the wider openness of the Green Belt in this location, Whilst the site is physically related to the to the north by introducing a new urban edge into land which visually carefully located and screened Lea Castle related and oriented to the open countryside to the north, Hospital site and development along Lea rather than existing development immediately to the south. Castle Drive, it is nevertheless related in character and orientation to the wider open countryside to the north. Development would introduce a new development.

LI/10 Land r/o C C C LC C CONTRIBUTION Development would result in the extension of the built Zortech edge of Kidderminster into open land to the southwest. As Whilst the site is of a relatively modest scale, it Avenue such this would harm physical openness and to a lesser is nevertheless part of wide land (strategic extent visual openness. The site, however, in combination parcel SW4) which makes a Significant with surrounding land, could lend itself to redevelopment Contribution to Green Belt purposes overall,

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Site Contribution to Green Belt Purpose Commentary Effect of Development LC = Limited Contribution, C = Contribution, SC = Significant Contribution Sprawl Sprawl Merger Encroachment Setting Overall

reflecting its size and strategic location which incorporates landscape and nature conservation between Kidderminster, Bewdley and enhancement which complements the wider Green Belt. Stourport. As such the parcel makes a Note: development to be considered in relation to adjacent Contribution to the Green Belt by containing sites LI/12 and LI/13. the urban edge of Kidderminster, in combination with other land.

LI/11 Land west of C SC C LC SC SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION The site and its wider context is characterised by a high former school degree of visual exposure which would be compromised by The site is part of the remaining open land site Coniston development, particularly in respect of the unbounded between Stourport and Kidderminster, the Crescent northeastern edge. Here, despite ‘rounding-off’ of the built erosion of which would further narrow the edge, development would represent an extension into local already limited gap between the two countryside. settlements. Development would have to be considered in the context of proposals on an adjacent site/

LI/12 Former Burlish C C C LC C CONTRIBUTION Development would result in the extension of the built Golf Course edge of Kidderminster into open land to the southwest. As Whilst the site is of a relatively modest scale, it Clubhouse such this would harm physical openness and to a lesser is nevertheless part of wide land (strategic extent visual openness. The site, however, in combination parcel SW4) which makes a Significant with surrounding land, could lend itself to redevelopment Contribution to Green Belt purposes overall, which incorporates landscape and nature conservation reflecting its size and strategic location enhancement which complements the wider Green Belt. between Kidderminster, Bewdley and Note: development to be considered in relation to adjacent Stourport. As such the parcel makes a sites LI/10 and LI/13. Contribution to the Green Belt by containing the urban edge of Kidderminster.

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Site Contribution to Green Belt Purpose Commentary Effect of Development LC = Limited Contribution, C = Contribution, SC = Significant Contribution Sprawl Sprawl Merger Encroachment Setting Overall

LI/13 Land Off C C C LC C CONTRIBUTION Development would result in the extension of the built Zortech edge of Kidderminster into open land to the southwest. As Whilst the site is of a relatively modest scale, it Avenue such this would harm physical openness and to a lesser is nevertheless part of wide land (strategic extent visual openness. The site, however, in combination parcel SW7) which makes a Significant with surrounding land, could lend itself to redevelopment Contribution to Green Belt purposes overall, which incorporates landscape and nature conservation reflecting its size and strategic location enhancement which complements the wider Green Belt. A between Kidderminster, and Stourport. As such significant issue relates to the definition of an outer the parcel makes a Contribution to the Green boundary to the site, being currently undefined to the Belt by containing the urban edge of southwest. Kidderminster. Note: development to be considered in relation to adjacent sites LI/10 and LI/12.

MI/18 Land North of LC LC C LC C CONTRIBUTION The scale and type of development (assuming for Wilden employment use) would have a minimal effect on the The site is part of Green Belt which is judged to Industrial openness of the Green Belt in this location. make a significant contribution to maintaining Estate the separation between Kidderminster and Stourport. In principle, erosion of the Green Belt in this location is damaging but the scale of the extension and its close relationship with existing development to the south would not constitute significant harm to Green Belt purposes overall.

MI/36 Firs Yard, LC LC C LC C CONTRIBUTION The small scale and largely visually enclosed nature of the Wilden Lane site, along with its previously developed character, means

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Site Contribution to Green Belt Purpose Commentary Effect of Development LC = Limited Contribution, C = Contribution, SC = Significant Contribution Sprawl Sprawl Merger Encroachment Setting Overall

Notwithstanding the small scale and visually that harm to the Green Belt arising from its intended use as enclosed character of the site, it nevertheless a gypsy and traveller site (in situ) would be limited. makes a Contribution to Green Belt purposes through its role in maintaining openness in this locality, despite its previously developed character.

MI/38 School Site, C SC C LC SC SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION Although part of a former school, the land retains an open Coniston aspect and visual relationship with the former golf course to The site is part of the remaining open land Crescent the northwest and allotments to the northeast. between Stourport and Kidderminster, the Development would impinge upon the openness of the erosion of which would further narrow the land and would, on its own, be an incongruous extension of already limited gap between the two the built edge of Stourport. settlements. Development would have to be considered in the context of proposals on an adjacent site – land off Windermere Way.

OC/5 Land at C LC C C C CONTRIBUTION Development would not have a significant effect on Husum Way openness, given the strongly bounded character of the site, Overall, the site contributes to the Green Belt although it is visually sensitive and development would in its contribution to safeguarding the create a new character to this gateway site. countryside from encroachment (being visually interconnected with the wider open countryside) and although having a limited role in preventing sprawl in itself, in combination with land to the east has a more significant role.

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Site Contribution to Green Belt Purpose Commentary Effect of Development LC = Limited Contribution, C = Contribution, SC = Significant Contribution Sprawl Sprawl Merger Encroachment Setting Overall

OC/6 Land east of SC LC C LC SC SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION Whilst the site is a direct extension of the built edge of Offmore Kidderminster, there is no current eastern boundary. The The site is part of wider land to the east of openness of the, both physically and visually would be Kidderminster which prevents sprawl into open compromised, Particularly given the rising topography to countryside, and whilst the site is bounded on the east. Significant mitigation would be required to define three sides, its eastern boundary is a new eastern edge of the town in this location. insubstantial. As such, the site makes a significant contribution to preventing sprawl and more broadly the encroachment of the urban area into the open countryside.

OC/12 Comberton C LC LC LC C CONTRIBUTION Development would compromise the openness of the Lodge Nursery Green Belt through the introduction of built form into Whilst of a small scale and enclosed character, predominantly open countryside to the north of Comberton the site is nevertheless part of open Road. However, the size of the site along with its strongly countryside to the north of the Comberton bounded and visually enclosed character means that the Road which is sensitive to change through new degree of this compromise would be limited. development. The site is part of the wider parcel E1 which was judged to make an overall Contribution to Green Belt purposes.

OC/13N Land at Stone SC C C LC C CONTRIBUTION In the absence of clear, significant boundaries, development Hill North would represent encroachment and sprawl into open The site overall makes a contribution to Green countryside which could only be overcome through Belt purposes by virtue of its role as open masterplanning which considered the development in a countryside containing the built edge of wider context which attended to the southeastern edge of Kidderminster. In the absence of clear, the town more generally. Whilst there are few visual significant boundaries, development would receptors in this locality and the site is generally well represent encroachment and sprawl into open

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Site Contribution to Green Belt Purpose Commentary Effect of Development LC = Limited Contribution, C = Contribution, SC = Significant Contribution Sprawl Sprawl Merger Encroachment Setting Overall

countryside which could only be overcome screened from the A448, development would create a through masterplanning which considered the fundamentally new relationship between town and country. development in a wider context which attended to the southeastern edge of the town more generally. Whilst there are few visual receptors in this locality and the site is generally well screened from the A448, development would create a fundamentally new relationship between town and country.

WA/BE/1 Stourport C C C SC C CONTRIBUTION The likely effect on openness is judged to be limited given Road Triangle the location and bounded character of the site. Of greater The site makes a contribution to the Green Belt potential significance is the role of the site as part of the in this location by virtue of its location in the southern gateway to Bewdley and the effect that a gap between Bewdley and Stourport and visual concentrated development of 80 units could have, connection to the wider open countryside particularly given the rising topography of the ground. which is part of that gap. However, the strongly bounded character of the site limits the effects of sprawl or encroachment.

WA/BE/3 Catchem’s End C SC C SC SC SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION The likely effect on openness is judged to be significant, reflecting the open countryside character (albeit containing Overall, and cumulatively, the site makes a development along Kidderminster Road) and its exposure significant contribution to Green Belt purposes on rising land as part of the gateway to Bewdley. because of its role as part of the wider tract of Development would uncharacteristically urbanise this land. land separating Bewdley, Stourport and Kidderminster, its role as part of the gateway to Bewdley, a role in preventing wider encroachment and sprawl. Development would reduce openness by bringing the edge of

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Site Contribution to Green Belt Purpose Commentary Effect of Development LC = Limited Contribution, C = Contribution, SC = Significant Contribution Sprawl Sprawl Merger Encroachment Setting Overall

Bewdley southeastwards to meet the A456, although this would act as a long-term edge.

WA/BE/5 Land south of C SC C C C CONTRIBUTION Development would have a moderate effect on openness, Habberley reflecting its role in the wider context of the gap between The overall contribution to Green Belt Road Bewdley and Kidderminster. Notwithstanding the presence purposes of the site is mixed. Whilst it is of the hotel and extensive grounds to the northeast, relatively small and is an extension of the development would extend the urban edge beyond a existing urban edge, it is nevertheless serves to simple ‘rounding-off’. contain the eastward expansion of Bewdley into the critical gap between development in this location and the built edge of Kidderminster. The presence of the hotel imparts a semi-urbanised character to the land, and development would add to this impression further reducing the gap between the towns, even though the site is reasonably well enclosed visually.

Whilst the site is small and nominally adjacent to the urban WA/KF/3 Land at Low SC LC SC LC SC SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION edge of Kidderminster, it is nevertheless exposed visually Habberley The site forms part of the arc of Green Belt and physically, being bounded by an insubstantial hedge to which contains the northerly extent of the north west and thereby physically and visually Kidderminster, limiting extension of the connected to the wider open countryside. contiguous built-up area of the town into open countryside. As such, and in combination with

the wider Green Belt in this locality, the site makes a significant contribution to Green Belt

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Site Contribution to Green Belt Purpose Commentary Effect of Development LC = Limited Contribution, C = Contribution, SC = Significant Contribution Sprawl Sprawl Merger Encroachment Setting Overall

purposes of containing sprawl and preventing encroachment.

WFR/CB/3 Land off C LC C C C CONTRIBUTION The high degree of physical and visual containment limits Station Drive, the impact of development on the Green Belt, although this The site makes a contribution to Green Belt Blakedown is a gateway site into Blakedown which is locally significant purposes because of its containment of in turn demanding particular attention to edge treatment, Blakedown particularly along the A456 built density and massing. Birmingham Road.

WFR/WC/12 Lawnswood, LC LC C LC C CONTRIBUTION The openness of the countryside would be affected through Cookley the addition of built development, although this is not The site is well contained and development significant given the degree of enclosure on the site's would not constitute sprawl or significant southern boundary and opportunities for boundary encroachment into open countryside. treatment to reduce this impact.

WFR/WC/18 Sion Hill LC LC LC LC LC LIMITED CONTRIBUTION There would be an effect on openness because of the School site introduction of built form into open land, but visual Development of the site would not containment and previous development on the western compromise the purposes of the Green Belt part of the site reduces this impact. strategically or locally, because of its scale and containment physically and visually.

MI/24 adj. Rock LC LC LC LC LC LIMITED CONTRIBUTION Openness of the Green Belt will be affected to the extent of Tavern, Wilden the introduction of additional built form into the built-up The site is small, part of the built extent of the Lane extent of Wilden. However, the site is raised above Wilden village of Wilden and whilst contributing Lane and otherwise enclosed by property boundaries modestly to the openness of the village which meaning that the overall effect on the openness of the settlement is limited.

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Site Contribution to Green Belt Purpose Commentary Effect of Development LC = Limited Contribution, C = Contribution, SC = Significant Contribution Sprawl Sprawl Merger Encroachment Setting Overall

is washed over by Green Belt, does not contribute to wider Green Belt purposes.

WA/UA/1 Bellman’s C LC C LC C CONTRIBUTION Development would compromise the openness of the Cross, Green Belt in this location through the introduction of a The site is part of open countryside which is Shatterford substantial concentration of built development into an area vulnerable to encroachment by incremental characterised by dispersed development (notwithstanding development and the Green Belt helps to development further along Arley Lane).Whilst development prevent from happening, particularly in could be largely screened and physically contained,, its accessible locations such as adjacent to main scale would introduce a new character to this locality. If roads. proposed for development, it would be prudent to consider retaining washed over Green Belt status in order to control potential encroachment from weak site boundaries.

WA/UA/4 Allotments, LC LC C C C CONTRIBUTION The effect of development on openness is likely to be Upper Arley limited, reflecting the scale and physical and visual The physical and visual enclosure of the site enclosure of the site. means that development would not compromise the purposes of the Green Belt strategically or locally and the effect on openness would not be significant, being an extension of the existing built edge of the village.

WA/UA/6 Red Lion Car LC LC C LC C CONTRIBUTION Development of the would have limited effect of the Park openness of the Green Belt, reflecting the size of the site, its The site is part of open countryside which is strongly bounded character and relationship with vulnerable to encroachment by incremental development across Lion Lane. If proposed for development and the Green Belt helps to development, it would be prudent to consider retaining

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Site Contribution to Green Belt Purpose Commentary Effect of Development LC = Limited Contribution, C = Contribution, SC = Significant Contribution Sprawl Sprawl Merger Encroachment Setting Overall

prevent from happening, particularly in washed over Green Belt status in order to control potential accessible locations such as adjacent to main encroachment from weak site boundaries. roads. However, the size and the bounded character of the site means that overall, there is a contribution to the Green Belt, albeit modest.

WFR/CC/8 Fold Farm, LC LC LC C C CONTRIBUTION Development would compromise the openness of the Chaddesley Green Belt in this location, albeit modestly given the size The site contributes to the openness and Corbett and location of the site. The potential effects on the village character of the village being part of the Conservation Area are greater and would have to be subject Conservation Area. to a separate historic environment evaluation.

If proposed for development, it would be prudent to consider retaining washed over Green Belt status in order to control potential encroachment from weak site boundaries.

WFR/WC/36 Rock Tavern LC LC LC LC LC LIMITED CONTRIBUTION The site is part of the built extent of Caunsall and makes Car Park, only the most modest contribution to maintaining The size and location of the site means that its Caunsall openness given the site’s size and location. Development contribution to the Green Belt is minimal, aside would not compromise the open character of the hamlet as from being part of the washed over settlement a whole which is washed over by Green Belt. of Caunsall where openness is sought to be maintained. If proposed for development, it would be prudent to consider retaining washed over Green Belt status in order to control potential encroachment from weak site boundaries.

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Site Contribution to Green Belt Purpose Commentary Effect of Development LC = Limited Contribution, C = Contribution, SC = Significant Contribution Sprawl Sprawl Merger Encroachment Setting Overall

WFR/WC/37 Land at C LC C LC C CONTRIBUTION Development of the site, which is weakly bounded, would Caunsall Road, compromise the openness of the Green Belt in this location, The site forms a significant part of the eastern Caunsall reflecting its role in containing the eastern extent of context of Caunsall, containing the built extent Caunsall. The visual exposure of the site as part of the of the hamlet and thereby localised extension northern valley side of the River Stour means that the of built development along the Caunsall Road. physical and visual impact of development would be The site is part of open countryside to the east amplified. of Caunsall which is vulnerable to change through incremental development. If proposed for development, it would be prudent to consider retaining washed over Green Belt status in order to control potential encroachment from weak site boundaries.

PDL SITE Cursley LC LC C LC C CONTRIBUTION A denser building footprint would be balanced against a Distribution reduction in building height in what is an open rural The site contributes to the Green Belt in this Park landscape which hosts a number of such visually prominent location being part of open countryside distribution-related developments. between Kidderminster and Droitwich. However, the scale of current development is such that any change in use on the same footprint is unlikely to compromise the wider function of the Green Belt in this location.

PDL SITE Rushock LC LC C LC C CONTRIBUTION A denser building footprint would be balanced against a Trading Estate reduction in building height in what is an open rural The site contributes to the Green Belt in this landscape which hosts a number of such visually prominent location being part of open countryside distribution-related developments. between Kidderminster and Droitwich. However, the scale of current development is

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Site Contribution to Green Belt Purpose Commentary Effect of Development LC = Limited Contribution, C = Contribution, SC = Significant Contribution Sprawl Sprawl Merger Encroachment Setting Overall

such that any change in use on the same footprint is unlikely to compromise the wider function of the Green Belt in this location.

PDL SITE West Midlands C SC C C SC SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION Notwithstanding the extent and long-standing character of Safari Park built development already associated with the site, the A combination of roles makes the overall Green Belt is nevertheless vulnerable to intensification. This contribution of this site to Green Belt purposes would affect both the direct role of the site in its role in significant, reflecting its role as part of the land preventing the merger of towns but also its role in which separates Kidderminster and Bewdley combination with land to the north of the A456 and to the and providing part of the eastern context for east and southeast. Bewdley.

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SITE FPH/27 LAND ADJ. EASTER PARK, WORCESTER ROAD ASSESSMENT AGAINST GREEN BELT PURPOSES

Green Belt Purpose Contribution to Green Belt Purposes

To check the unrestricted sprawl of LIMITED CONTRIBUTION large built-up areas Whilst development of the site would extent the built edge of Kidderminster further along the A449, this would not constitute sprawl given the size of the site and its strong boundaries as well as the character of the broader locality which has become urbanised.

To prevent neighbouring towns LIMITED CONTRIBUTION merging into one another The site plays no role in this respect.

To assist in safeguarding the LIMITED CONTRIBUTION countryside from encroachment The site plays no role in this respect, being detached from the wider countryside to the east and south.

To preserve the setting and special CONTRIBUTION character of historic towns The site performs a gateway function to Kidderminster to some degree although the extent of urbanisation in the locality greatly lessens its sensitivity.

Overall Assessment of Contribution to LIMITED CONTRIBUTION Green Belt Purposes The site makes a very limited contribution to Green Belt purposes strategically and locally, being strongly bounded on all sides and largely visually isolated from the Green Belt to the east and south. The local context, which has a strongly urbanised character, adds to the sense of disconnection of the site from Green Belt purposes.

SUMMARY

Site Description Overall Contribution to the Green Belt Effect of Development on Openness

FPH/27 A contained site in rough grazing LIMITED CONTRIBUTION Development would have a limited effect LAND ADJ. use separated from the wider The site makes a very limited contribution to Green on openness, being dominated by urban EASTER Green Belt to the east and south Belt purposes strategically and locally, being uses to the north and west. However, a PARK (within Wychavon District). The strongly bounded on all sides and largely visually degree of sensitivity in the scale and 2.53ha site is narrow with a railway line isolated from the Green Belt to the east and south. massing of development would need to to the east, the A449 to the west The local context, which has a strongly urbanised be exercised given the site’s place as

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Part of and built development to the character, adds to the sense of disconnection of part of the southern gateway to strategic north and south. the site from Green Belt purposes. Kidderminster along the A449. parcel SE1

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WFR/WC/15 – LEA CASTLE MAIN SITE ASSESSMENT AGAINST GREEN BELT PURPOSES

Green Belt Purpose Contribution to Green Belt Purposes

WC34 To check the CONTRIBUTION unrestricted sprawl of large built-up areas Development beyond the current built footprint of the site would constitute sprawl by virtue of extending beyond its current physical and visual containment.

WC33 WC15 To prevent LIMITED CONTRIBUTION WC32 neighbouring towns merging into one Development of the current built footprint of the site would not contribute to the coalescence of towns, but another locally would be part of contiguous development between Kidderminster and Cookley should land to the south of Park Gate Road be brought forward for development. However, the visual containment of the site would lessen this impression.

To assist in CONTRIBUTION safeguarding the countryside from Development would not entail encroachment into open countryside, the site being strongly bounded encroachment physically and visually.

To preserve the LIMITED CONTRIBUTION setting and special character of historic Development would not have an impact in this respect. towns

Overall Assessment of CONTRIBUTION Contribution to Green Belt Purposes The character of the site, being previously developed and strongly bounded physically and visually, means that the overall impact of development on its current built footprint on Green Belt purposes would be limited. However, should development encroach beyond current built footprint then the impact would be significantly greater, reflecting careful siting of past development on a plateau and the benefit of landscape planting containing visual impacts. The effect on openness of the Green Belt in this location would be neutral,

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Green Belt Purpose Contribut ion to Green Belt Purposes

reflecting the site’s previously developed nature although this is dependent upon retention of the current development footprint, building density and height.

SUMMARY

Site Description Overall Contribution to the Green Effect of Development Belt on Openness

WFR/WC/15 A substantial site (46.47ha) previously in use as a hospital and now comprising a mix of CONTRIBUTION The effect on openness derelict buildings and residential development. The site lies between the A451 Stourbridge of the Green Belt in this LEA CASTLE HOSPITAL The character of the site, being Road and A449 Wolverhampton Road on land rising to 85m and has been screened from the location would be previously developed and strongly 46.47ha surrounding area by extensive boundary planting of Corsican Pine and various native species. neutral, reflecting the bounded physically and visually, As such whilst there is a substantial built development footprint which extends towards site’s previously means that the overall impact of Part of strategic parcel Cookley to the west, the high degree of visual containment means that the sense of intrusion developed nature development on Green Belt purposes NE2 into the surrounding countryside is limited. The containing landscape to the east, west and although this is would be limited. However, should north of the site is visually sensitive and of reasonable quality, being of an open character and dependent upon development encroach beyond falling away from the hill-top, with exposed slopes which are in extensive arable cultivation retention of the current current developed footprint then the running down to the A451 and A449 and northward from Axborough Lane. The boundaries of development footprint, impact would be significantly the proposed site are largely defined by the woodland planting and whilst not forming a building density and greater, reflecting careful siting of permanent boundary do form a substantive and clear edge. Public access is limited to one height. past development on a plateau and PRoW between the A449 and Axborough Lane running east-west to the south then across the the benefit of landscape planting north of the site. There is no direct relationship with the urban edge of Kidderminster, but a containing visual impacts. strong proximate relationship with Cookley which lies across the A449 to the northwest. In advance of detailed survey, there are no recorded nature conservation or cultural heritage interests on the site.

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WFR/WC/32 – LAND EAST OF LEA CASTLE HOSPITAL ASSESSMENT AGAINST GREEN BELT PURPOSES

Green Belt Purpose Contribu tion to Green Belt Purposes

WC34 To check the SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION unrestricted sprawl of Development would create a both the impression and reality of sprawl of the urban area along the large built-up areas A451 into the open countryside between Kidderminster and Stourbridge. The land is detached from the current built limit of the town around half a mile to the south, and visually separate (screened by vegetation and topography) from the Lea Castle site to north west. WC33 WC15

To prevent LIMITED CONTRIBUTION WC32 neighbouring towns The site makes a contribution in this respect, situated some two miles from Stourbridge and half a merging into one mile from Kidderminster. another

To assist in CONTRIBUTION safeguarding the The site is partially contained visually on its north western flank, but otherwise relies on the A451 countryside from Axborough Lane and weak field boundaries. As such, there is the potential for further encroachment encroachment and reinforcement of the impression of unconstrained development in the open countryside.

To preserve the CONTRIBUTION setting and special The site makes a contribution to this purpose by virtue of its location as part of the northerly gateway character of historic to Kidderminster, although there is no visual connection between the site and a Conservation Area. towns

Overall Assessment of SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION Contribution to Green Overall, the site makes a significant contribution to the Green Belt through its role in safeguarding Belt Purposes the countryside from encroachment (clearly being visually and functionally part of the open countryside to the north of Kidderminster) and sprawl along the A451. Development would have a significant effect on openness reflecting the partial enclosure of the site and its visually sensitivity creating a fundamentally new character to this gateway to Kidderminster.

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SUMMARY

Site Description Overall Contribution to the Green Belt Effect of Development on Openness

WFR/WC/32 Land in arable use, rising from 65m to 99m north east SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION Development is judged to have a significant effect on the from the A451, bounded to the south by the A451, to openness of the Green Belt in this location, being on the LAND EAST OF LEA Overall, the site makes a significant contribution the north west by a woodland strip (screening the Lea flanks of rising land which is exposed to the south and south CASTLE HOSPITAL to the Green Belt through its role in Castle site) and woodland, to the north east by east. The land is part of the north eastern gateway to safeguarding the countryside from Part of strategic parcel Axborough Lane (part) and to the south east by a field Kidderminster and notwithstanding the presence of the Lea encroachment (clearly being visually and NE2 boundary. From the north eastern edge there are Castle site immediately to the north west, would introduce functionally part of the open countryside to the medium and longer distance views towards the south development into open countryside. north of Kidderminster) and sprawl along the west, these diminishing to valley-side views on the A451. Development would have a significant approach to Park Gate Road. The site is open effect on openness reflecting the partial countryside which is visually related to land to the enclosure of the site and its visually sensitivity south east across the Stourbridge Road. There is no creating a fundamentally new character to this public access and prior to survey no biodiversity or gateway to Kidderminster. cultural heritage interest.

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WFR/WC/33 – LAND WEST OF LEA CASTLE HOSPITAL ASSESSMENT AGAINST GREEN BELT PURPOSES

Green Belt Purpose Contribu tion to Green Belt Purposes WC34

To check the CONTRIBUTION unrestricted sprawl of The site, whilst bounded on all sides, is of a sufficient scale and distinct character to mean that large built-up areas development would constitute a degree of sprawl into open countryside which separates Kidderminster and Cookley. Current development at Lea Castle comprises this role to some degree when the land is considered as part of a wider strategic parcel, although this is well screened and WC33 WC15 set on a plateau, meaning that the site retains a distinct countryside character. WC32

To prevent LIMITED CONTRIBUTION neighbouring towns No role in this location which is not between towns although locally this part of the land separating merging into one Cookley and Kidderminster. another

To assist in CONTRIBUTION The site contributes to the Green Belt through maintaining the openness of the safeguarding the countryside to the north of Kidderminster, notwithstanding adjacent development to the north and countryside from east at Lea Castle. Whilst the site is well bounded, it is of a scale and orientation to constitute a encroachment distinct landscape, particularly when viewed from the northwestern corner of the site where it adjoins the A449.

To preserve the LIMITED CONTRIBUTION setting and special No direct role given the location of the parcel away from historic towns. character of historic towns

Overall Assessment of CONTRIBUTION The site contributes to the role of the wider Green Belt in this location, being part Contribution to Green of open countryside to the north of Kidderminster. The land forms the principal context of the Belt Purposes northern gateway to Kidderminster along the A449 Wolverhampton Road and development would alter the relationship between town and country in this location.

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SUMMARY

Site Description Overall Contribution to the Green Belt Effect of Development on Openness

WFR-WC-33 A medium-scale site (24ha) on rising land over 15m towards the CONTRIBUTION The site contributes to the openness of the village of Cookley. The site is bounded to the west by the A449 The site contributes to the role of the wider countryside in this locality reflecting its scale and LAND WEST OF Wolverhampton Road, to the south by the B4189 Park Gate Road Green Belt, being part of open countryside to orientation, despite being enclosed on two sides LEA CASTLE and the east and north by a substantial woodland belt associated the north of Kidderminster. The land forms by built development. There is a visual connection HOSPTIAL with the Lea Castle Hospital site and development along Lea Castle the principal context of the northern gateway with open land to the west, which together with Drive. The site, together with land to the west and south forms part to Kidderminster along the A449 this land forms a distinct countryside context for 23.5ha of the northern context of Kidderminster as viewed from the A449. Wolverhampton Road and development the northwest of Kidderminster. A PRoW runs along the northern edge of the site. Prior to site would alter the relationship between town Part of Strategic investigation, there are no recorded nature conservation or cultural and country in this location. Parcel NE2 heritage interests on the site.

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WFR/WC/34 – LAND NORTH OF LEA CASTLE HOSPITAL ASSESSMENT AGAINST GREEN BELT PURPOSES

Green Belt Purpose Contribu tion to Green Belt Purposes WC34

To check the CONTRIBUTION unrestricted sprawl of The site forms the northern part of a wider parcel which acts to contain sprawl along the A449 large built-up areas and A451 road corridors to the north of Kidderminster. Although the site is bounded by roads, development would compromise the open character of the land to the north of Axborough Lane WC33 WC15

To prevent LIMITED CONTRIBUTION WC32 neighbouring towns No role in this location which is not between towns although locally this part of the land merging into one separating Cookley and Kidderminster. another

To assist in CONTRIBUTION safeguarding the The site, whilst being physically contained by Axborough Lane, has a significant visual countryside from relationship with the wider open countryside to the north. As such, development would encroachment constitute a degree of encroachment into open countryside by introducing a new development edge.

To preserve the LIMITED CONTRIBUTION setting and special No direct role given the location of the parcel away from historic towns. character of historic towns

Overall Assessment of CONTRIBUTION Contribution to Green Whilst the site is physically related to the carefully located and screened Lea Castle Hospital site Belt Purposes and development along Lea Castle Drive, it is nevertheless related in character and orientation to the wider open countryside to the north. Development would introduce a new development edge as part of the northern (A449 Wolverhampton Road) gateway to Kidderminster.

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SUMMARY

Site Description Overall Contribution to the Green Belt Effect of Development on Openness

WFR-WC-34 A medium-scale site (12ha) bounded to the south by a CONTRIBUTION Development, whilst bounded on all sides, would substantial woodland belt associated with the Lea Castle Whilst the site is physically related to the intrude upon the wider openness of the Green Belt in LAND NORTH OF Hospital site and development along Lea Castle Drive, carefully located and screened Lea Castle this location, by introducing a new urban edge into land LEA CASTLE Axborough Lane to the north and the A449 Hospital site and development along Lea Castle which visually related and oriented to the open HOSPITAL Wolverhampton Road to the west. The land slopes Drive, it is nevertheless related in character and countryside to the north, rather than existing downwards over 10m south to north, with a strong visual orientation to the wider open countryside to the development immediately to the south. 12.0ha connection with the wider open countryside to the north, north. Development would introduce a new with expansive views from Axborough Lane. Prior to site development. Part of Strategic investigation, there are no recorded nature conservation Parcel NE2 or cultural heritage interests on the site.

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SITE LI/10 LAND TO THE REAR OF ZORTECH AV., KIDDERMINSTER ASSESSMENT AGAINST GREEN BELT PURPOSES

Green Belt Purpose Contribution to Green Belt Purposes

To check the unrestricted sprawl Contribution of large built-up areas The site is part of land which contains the southwestern edge of Kidderminster.

To prevent neighbouring towns Contribution merging into one another The site is part of land which maintains the strategic separation of Kidderminster and Stourport and Kidderminster and Bewdley.

To assist in safeguarding the Contribution countryside from encroachment The site helps to prevent incremental encroachment into open land to the southwest of Kidderminster. Boundaries to the northeast and southeast form the outer edge of the Green Belt. There is no clear southwest boundary.

To preserve the setting and Limited Contribution special character of historic The site is not adjacent, or visually connected, to a Conservation Area. towns

Overall Assessment of Contribution Contribution to Green Belt Whilst the site is of a relatively modest scale, it is nevertheless part of wider land (strategic parcel Purposes SW4) which makes a Significant Contribution to Green Belt purposes overall, reflecting its size and strategic location between Kidderminster, Bewdley and Stourport. As such the parcel makes a Contribution to the Green Belt by containing the urban edge of Kidderminster.

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SUMMARY

Site Description Overall Contribution to the Green Belt Effect of Development on Openness

LI/10 Land to the northwest of Zortech Avenue, Contribution Development would result in the extension of the built Kidderminster, comprising scrub woodland and open Whilst the site is of a relatively modest scale, it is edge of Kidderminster into open land to the southwest. Land to the rear of patches of land used for tipping. The site is bounded to nevertheless part of wide land (strategic parcel As such this would harm physical openness and to a Zortech Avenue, the north and the west by an arc of dense woodland, SW4) which makes a Significant Contribution to lesser extent visual openness. The site, however, in Kidderminster that to the northeast forming the Green Belt boundary Green Belt purposes overall, reflecting its size combination with surrounding land, could lend itself to of the land between Kidderminster and Stourport. To and strategic location between Kidderminster, redevelopment which incorporates landscape and Part of strategic the southeast, there is an intermittent hedgerow and Bewdley and Stourport. As such the parcel makes nature conservation enhancement which complements parcel SW4 no clear boundary to the southwest. The site is visually a Contribution to the Green Belt by containing the wider Green Belt. contained by the dense woodland boundaries to north, the urban edge of Kidderminster, in combination Note: development to be considered in relation to but open to the south. with other land. adjacent sites LI/12 and LI/13.

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SITE LI/11 LAND WEST OF FORMER SCHOOL SITE, CONISTON CRESCENT ASSESSMENT AGAINST GREEN BELT PURPOSES

Green Belt Purpose Contribution to Green Belt Purposes

To check the unrestricted CONTRIBUTION sprawl of large built-up areas The land is largely open in character and contains the northern edge of Stourport at Burlish Park. The proposed site is not bounded by an existing boundary feature to the northeast which could contain development. To a degree, development would constitute a rounding-off of the settlement edge and a long-term boundary could be created.

To prevent neighbouring SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION towns merging into one The land is part of a series of parcels which prevent the physical merger of Kidderminster and Stourport. another Development of this site would close this gap physically and perceptually (as viewed from Kingsway).

To assist in safeguarding the CONTRIBUTION countryside from The land is bounded by development on two sides and is in proximity to open countryside to the encroachment northwest, across Kingsway.

To preserve the setting and LIMITED CONTRIBUTION special character of historic Whilst the site is in proximity to Stourport, its location means it has no connection with the historic core. towns

Overall Assessment of SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION Contribution to Green Belt The site is part of the remaining open land between Stourport and Kidderminster, the erosion of which Purposes would further narrow the already limited gap between the two settlements. Development would have to be considered in the context of proposals on an adjacent site – land off Coniston Crescent.

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SUMMARY

Site Description Overall Contribution to the Green Belt Effect of Development on Openness

LI-11 A medium-scale site (10.75ha) bounded by the built edge of SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION The site and its wider context is Stourport-on- Severn to the west and south west and a disused characterised by a high degree of visual LAND TO THE WEST The site is part of the remaining open land between school site to the south east. There is no boundary to the north east, exposure which would be compromised OF FORMER SCHOOL, Stourport and Kidderminster, the erosion of which the land being part of a wider (now disused) golf course. The land by development, particularly in respect CONISTON CRESCENT would further narrow the already limited gap has an open aspect, gently rising from south to north over 10m, with of the unbounded northeastern edge. between the two settlements. Development would 10.75ha expansive views towards its northern extent from Kingsway. There is Here, despite ‘rounding-off’ of the built have to be considered in the context of proposals on no public access. Prior to site investigation, there are no recorded edge, development would represent an an adjacent site/ Part of Strategic nature conservation or cultural heritage interests on the site. extension into local countryside. Parcel SW6

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LI/12 BURLISH GOLF CLUB HOUSE ASSESSMENT AGAINST GREEN BELT PURPOSES

Green Belt Purpose Contribution to Green Belt Purposes

To check the unrestricted Contribution sprawl of large built-up areas The site is part of land which contains the southwestern edge of Kidderminster.

To prevent neighbouring Contribution towns merging into one The site is part of land which maintains the strategic separation of Kidderminster and Stourport and another Kidderminster and Bewdley.

To assist in safeguarding the Contribution countryside from The site helps to prevent incremental encroachment into open land to the southwest of Kidderminster. encroachment

To preserve the setting and Limited Contribution special character of historic The site is not adjacent, or visually connected, to a Conservation Area. towns

Overall Assessment of Contribution Contribution to Green Belt Whilst the site is of a relatively modest scale, it is nevertheless part of wider land (strategic parcel SW4) which Purposes makes a Significant Contribution to Green Belt purposes overall, reflecting its size and strategic location between Kidderminster, Bewdley and Stourport. As such the parcel makes a Contribution to the Green Belt by containing the urban edge of Kidderminster.

SUMMARY

Site Description Overall Contribution to the Green Belt Effect of Development on Openness

LI/12 A disused golf clubhouse and Contribution Development would result in the extension of the built edge of surrounding parking. The site is Whilst the site is of a relatively modest scale, it is Kidderminster into open land to the southwest. As such this would Burlish Golf bounded by dense woodland to the nevertheless part of wide land (strategic parcel SW4) which harm physical openness and to a lesser extent visual openness. The Club House west, a substantial hedgerow to the makes a Significant Contribution to Green Belt purposes site, however, in combination with surrounding land, could lend south, an unmade track to the east, overall, reflecting its size and strategic location between itself to redevelopment which incorporates landscape and nature with no boundary to the north. Kidderminster, Bewdley and Stourport. As such the parcel conservation enhancement which complements the wider Green

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Part of makes a Contribution to the Green Belt by containing the Belt. Note: development to be considered in relation to adjacent strategic parcel urban edge of Kidderminster. sites LI/10 and LI/13. SW4

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LI/13 LAND OFF ZORTECH AV., KIDDERMINSTER ASSESSMENT AGAINST GREEN BELT PURPOSES

Green Belt Purpose Contribution to Green Belt Purposes

To check the unrestricted sprawl of Contribution large built-up areas The site is part of land which contains the southwestern edge of Kidderminster.

To prevent neighbouring towns Contribution merging into one another The site is part of land which maintains the strategic separation of Kidderminster and Stourport.

To assist in safeguarding the Contribution countryside from encroachment The site helps to prevent incremental encroachment into open land to the southwest of Kidderminster.

To preserve the setting and special Limited Contribution character of historic towns The site is not adjacent, or visually connected, to a Conservation Area.

Overall Assessment of Contribution Contribution to Green Belt Purposes Whilst the site is of a relatively modest scale, it is nevertheless part of wider land (strategic parcel SW7) which makes a Significant Contribution to Green Belt purposes overall, reflecting its size and strategic location between Kidderminster and Stourport. As such the parcel makes a Contribution to the Green Belt by containing the urban edge of Kidderminster.

SUMMARY

Site Description Overall Contribution to the Green Belt Effect of Development on Openness

LI/13 Rough grassland (former golfcourse) Contribution Development would result in the extension of the built edge of Kidderminster bounded by a substantial tree belt to the Whilst the site is of a relatively modest scale, it is into open land to the southwest. As such this would harm physical openness Land off northeast, an unmade track to the nevertheless part of wide land (strategic parcel and to a lesser extent visual openness. The site, however, in combination with Zortech Av. northwest, an access track to the SW7) which makes a Significant Contribution to surrounding land, could lend itself to redevelopment which incorporates southeast. There is no clear boundary to Green Belt purposes overall, reflecting its size landscape and nature conservation enhancement which complements the Part of the southwest although defined by a and strategic location between Kidderminster, wider Green Belt. A significant issue relates to the definition of an outer strategic ditch feature. An access track to the and Stourport. As such the parcel makes a boundary to the site, being currently undefined to the southwest. parcel SW7

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former golf clubhouse runs through the Contribution to the Green Belt by containing the Note: development to be considered in relation to adjacent sites LI/10 and centre of the site. urban edge of Kidderminster. LI/12.

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MI/18 LAND NORTH OF WILDEN INDUSTRIAL ESTATE ASSESSMENT AGAINST GREEN BELT PURPOSES

Green Belt Purpose Contribution to Green Belt Purposes

To check the unrestricted sprawl LIMITED CONTRIBUTION of large built-up areas The site is relatively small are well bounded on three sides, including to the south as part of the Wilden Industrial Estate and in terms of location and scale would not constitute sprawl.

To prevent neighbouring towns LIMITED CONTRIBUTION merging into one another The site makes a limited contribution in this respect given its size and relationship with the existing industrial estate.

To assist in safeguarding the CONTRIBUTION countryside from encroachment Incursion into the Green Belt does in principle constitute encroachment, although the scale in this circumstance is modest and does not damage openness more widely.

To preserve the setting and LIMITED CONTRIBUTION special character of historic The site makes no direct contribution. towns

Overall Assessment of CONTRIBUTION Contribution to Green Belt The site is part of Green Belt which is judged to make a significant contribution to maintaining the separation Purposes between Kidderminster and Stourport. In principle, erosion of the Green Belt in this location is damaging but the scale of the extension and its close relationship with existing development to the south would not constitute significant harm to Green Belt purposes overall.

SUMMARY

Site Description Overall Contribution to the Green Belt Effect of Development on Openness

MI/18 Land which is directly connected to the Wilden Industrial CONTRIBUTION The scale and type of development Estate and which appears to be is use as a storage area. The site is part of Green Belt which is judged to make a significant contribution to (assuming for storage) would have a NORTH OF WILDEN There appears to be no proper northern boundary and the maintaining the separation between Kidderminster and Stourport. In principle, minimal effect on the openness of the INDUSTRIAL original boundary, which ran eastwards off the dog-leg in erosion of the Green Belt in this location is damaging but the scale of the Green Belt in this location. ESTATE the PRoW, appears to have been removed. There is no extension and its close relationship with existing development to the south would Part of strategic public access and prior to survey no biodiversity or cultural not constitute significant harm to Green Belt purposes overall. parcel SW8 heritage interest.

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MI/36 FIRS YARD, WILDEN ASSESSMENT AGAINST GREEN BELT PURPOSES

Green Belt Purpose Contribution to Green Belt Purposes

To check the unrestricted Limited Contribution sprawl of large built-up areas The site is not connected to any contiguous built development.

To prevent neighbouring Limited Contribution towns merging into one The site does not lie between settlements which are at risk of merger. another

To assist in safeguarding the Contribution countryside from The site is part of open land to the west of Wilden Road which is sensitive to intrusion from built form. encroachment Boundaries to the site are weak on three sides thereby risking further localised encroachment.

To preserve the setting and Limited Contribution special character of historic The site is not adjacent, or visually connected to, a Conservation Area. towns

Overall Assessment of Contribution Contribution to Green Belt Notwithstanding the small scale and visually enclosed character of the site, it nevertheless makes a Purposes Contribution to Green Belt purposes through its role in maintaining openness in this locality, despite its previously developed character.

SUMMARY

Site Description Overall Contribution to the Green Belt Effect of Development on Openness

MI/36 The site comprises mobile homes and storage for Contribution The small scale and largely visually enclosed nature of the site, along commercial vehicles set within adjacent scrub woodland Notwithstanding the small scale and with its previously developed character, means that harm to the Firs Yard, immediately adjacent to Wilden Lane which forms the visually enclosed character of the site, it Green Belt arising from its intended use as a gypsy and traveller site Wilden southeastern boundary to the site. The other boundaries nevertheless makes a Contribution to (in situ) would be limited. to the site are unclear, but appear to comprise a ditch to Green Belt purposes through its role in Part of the south and west, with no clear feature to the maintaining openness in this locality, strategic northwest. Visually the site is open to Wilden Lane, despite its previously developed parcel SW9 otherwise the site is enclosed, physically and visually, by character. dense scrub woodland.

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MI/38 FORMER SCHOOL SITE CONISTON CRESCENT ASSESSMENT AGAINST GREEN BELT PURPOSES

Green Belt Purpose Contribut ion to Green Belt Purposes

To check the unrestricted CONTRIBUTION sprawl of large built-up The land is unbounded on three sides and development would represent an extension of the built edge of areas Stourport into the gap between Stourport and Kidderminster. On its own, development would not constitute a rounding-off of the settlement boundary, although this could occur in combination with a proposed adjacent site to the north west (land off Windermere Way).

To prevent neighbouring SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION towns merging into one The land is part of a series of parcels which prevent the physical merger of Kidderminster and Stourport. another Development of this site would close this gap physically and perceptually (as viewed from Kingsway).

To assist in safeguarding CONTRIBUTION the countryside from The land is bounded by development on one side and adjacent to open land to the northwest (a golf encroachment course), separated by a hedge, and north east (allotments). A school and its playing fields form the southeast boundary.

To preserve the setting LIMITED CONTRIBUTION and special character of Whilst the site is in proximity to Stourport, its location means it has no connection with the historic core. historic towns

Overall Assessment of SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION Contribution to Green Belt The site is part of the remaining open land between Stourport and Kidderminster, the erosion of which Purposes would further narrow the already limited gap between the two settlements. Development would have to be considered in the context of proposals on an adjacent site – land off Windermere Way.

SUMMARY

Site Description Overall Contribution to the Green Belt Effect of Development on Openness

MI-38 A small (6.5ha) site lying immediately to the north of the built edge of SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION Although part of a former school, the land Stourport-on-Severn, being part of the open land between The site is part of the remaining open land retains an open aspect and visual relationship FORMER SCHOOL Kidderminster and Stourport. There are allotments to the north, a between Stourport and Kidderminster, the with the former golf course to the northwest SITE OFF CONISTON sports training facility top the south east, a school to the south and a erosion of which would further narrow the and allotments to the northeast. Development CRESCENT former golf course to the north west. The land is previously developed already limited gap between the two would impinge upon the openness of the land

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(formerly a primary school), level and with views into the site restricted settlements. Development would have to and would, on its own, be an incongruous 6.5ha by boundary vegetation and built structures, with some glimpsed views be considered in the context of proposals extension of the built edge of Bewdley. across from Coniston Crescent. There is no public access. Prior to site on an adjacent site – land off Windermere Part of Strategic investigation, there are no recorded nature conservation or cultural Way. Parcel SW6 heritage interests on the site.

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SITE OC/5 LAND AT HUSUM WAY ASSESSMENT AGAINST GREEN BELT PURPOSES

Green Belt Purpose Contribut ion to Green Belt Purposes

To check the unrestricted CONTRIBUTION sprawl of large built-up The site is relatively small and well bounded on all sites. Its contribution to preventing unrestricted sprawl in itself areas is modest. However in conjunction with potential development to the east the overall effect would be that of sprawl along the principal easterly entrance to Kidderminster.

To prevent neighbouring LIMITED CONTRIBUTION towns merging into one The site makes a limited contribution in this respect. another

To assist in safeguarding CONTRIBUTION the countryside from The site is contained on all sides and of small enough scale to not constitute encroachment per se although there encroachment are medium and long distance views across the site which form a visual connection to the wider countryside to the south. A more significant effect would occur if the site was developed in conjunction with land to the east and to the north, creating an urbanised effect in this elevated locality.

To preserve the setting CONTRIBUTION and special character of The site makes a contribution to this purpose by virtue of its location as part of the easterly gateway to historic towns Kidderminster, although there is no visual connection between the site and a Conservation Area.

Overall Assessment of CONTRIBUTION Contribution to Green Belt Overall, the site makes a contribution to safeguarding the countryside from encroachment (being visually Purposes interconnected with the wider open countryside) and although having a limited role in preventing sprawl in itself, in combination with land to the east has a more significant role. Development would not have a significant effect on openness, given the strongly bounded character of the site, although it is visually sensitive and development would create a new character to this gateway site.

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SUMMARY

Site Description Overall Contribution to the Green Belt Effect of Development on Openness

OC/5 A single field in arable use, of level topography and bounded CONTRIBUTION Development would not have a significant effect on all sides, by a railway line to the south, the A456 to the Overall, the site contributes to the Green Belt in its on openness, given the strongly bounded HUSUM WAY north, Husum Way to the west and various properties to the contribution to safeguarding the countryside from character of the site, although it is visually CORNER east. There are medium to long distance views southwards encroachment (being visually interconnected with sensitive and development would create a new across the site which is adjacent to the built edge of the wider open countryside) and although having a character to this gateway site. 2.11ha Kidderminster across Husum Way to the west. There is no limited role in preventing sprawl in itself, in public access and prior to survey no biodiversity or cultural combination with land to the east has a more Part of strategic heritage interest. significant role. parcel E1

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SITE OC/6 LAND EAST OF OFFMORE ASSESSMENT AGAINST GREEN BELT PURPOSES

Green Belt Purpose Contribut ion to Green Belt Purposes

To check the unrestricted sprawl of SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION large built-up areas The site comprises the majority of a single field immediately to the east of the built edge of Kidderminster at Husum Way. The site is largely contained by boundaries, although the eastern boundary is insubstantial. As such the site remains part of the wider strategic parcel which plays a significant role in preventing the uncontrolled spread of urban development into open countryside.

To prevent neighbouring towns LIMITED CONTRIBUTION merging into one another No role in this location which is not between towns.

To assist in safeguarding the CONTRIBUTION countryside from encroachment The site is part the broader swathe of countryside to the east of Kidderminster, and the largely unbounded eastern edge of the site means that there is the potential for encroachment of the adjacent urban area into the wider open countryside.

To preserve the setting and special LIMITED CONTRIBUTION character of historic towns No direct role given the location of the parcel away from historic towns.

Overall Assessment of Contribution to SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION Green Belt Purposes The site is part of wider land to the east of Kidderminster which prevents sprawl into open countryside, and whilst the site is bounded on three sides, its eastern boundary is insubstantial. As such, the site makes a significant contribution to preventing sprawl and more broadly the encroachment of the urban area into the open countryside.

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SUMMARY

Site Description Overall Contribution to the Green Belt Effect of Development on Openness

OC-6 A medium-scale site (15ha) bounded by a railway line to the SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION Whilst the site is a direct extension of the built north, the built edge of Kidderminster to the east and an The site is part of wider land to the east of Kidderminster edge of Kidderminster, there is no current LAND EAST OF unnamed watercourse to the south. To the west, the which prevents sprawl into open countryside, and whilst eastern boundary. The openness of the site, OFFMORE FARM boundary is part defined by a hedgerow and otherwise the site is bounded on three sides, its eastern boundary is both physically and visually would be 15.0ha strikes across an open field, to the east of Offmore Farm insubstantial. As such, the site makes a significant compromised, Particularly given the rising which divides the site into two parts. The site is in arable use contribution to preventing sprawl and more broadly the topography to the east. Significant mitigation Part of Strategic and there is no public access. The site has an open aspect encroachment of the urban area into the open countryside. would be required to define a new eastern Parcel E1 with views across from Husum Way towards rising land to edge of the town in this location. the east. Prior to site investigation, there are no recorded nature conservation or cultural heritage interests on the site.

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SITE OC/12 COMBERTON LODGE NURSERY ASSESSMENT AGAINST GREEN BELT PURPOSES

Green Belt Purpose Contribution to Green Belt Purposes

To check the unrestricted Contribution sprawl of large built-up Development would contribute, in a modest fashion, to sprawl along the Comberton Road, extending the areas footprint of Kidderminster.

To prevent neighbouring Limited Contribution towns merging into one The location and size of the sites means that it would not contribute to the merger of settlements (for example another Kidderminster and Stone).

To assist in safeguarding Limited Contribution the countryside from The previously developed nature of the site and its strongly bounded character mean that it has a limited encroachment relationship with the wider countryside to the north.

To preserve the setting Limited Contribution and special character of The site is not adjacent to, or have a visual relationship with, a Conservation Area. historic towns

Overall Assessment of Contribution Contribution to Green Belt Whilst of a small scale and enclosed character, the site is nevertheless part of open countryside to the north of Purposes the Comberton Road which is sensitive to change through new development. The site is part of the wider parcel E1 which was judged to make an overall Contribution to Green Belt purposes.

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SUMMARY

Site Description Overall Contribution to the Green Belt Effect of Development on Openness

OC/12 Land situated immediately to the northeast of the A448 Comberton Contribution Development would compromise the openness of the Road, being a former plant nursery, now a landscaping business. Whilst of a small scale and enclosed Green Belt through the introduction of built form into Comberton There is no public access and apart from glimpsed views from the character, the site is nevertheless part of predominantly open countryside to the north of Lodge site entrance off the A448 from which the site is screened by mature open countryside to the north of the Comberton Road. However, the size of the site along Nursery vegetation, there are no views of the site. Aerial photographs Comberton Road which is sensitive to with its strongly bounded and visually enclosed suggest that the site comprises hard standing, some buildings and change through new development. The site character means that the degree of this compromise Part of areas of soft ground. The external boundary of the site to the west is part of the wider parcel E1 which was would be limited. strategic and north of the site is defined by a mature hedgerow following the judged to make an overall Contribution to parcel E1 line of Hoo Brook. To the east, a substantial hedge divides the site Green Belt purposes. from a large detached dwelling set in extensive grounds.

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SITE OC13/N LAND AT STONE HILL NORTH ASSESSMENT AGAINST GREEN BELT PURPOSES

Green Belt Purpose Contribution to Green Belt Purposes

To check the unrestricted SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION sprawl of large built-up In the absence of strong boundaries, development would represent sprawl into open countryside and areas create a new relationship between the urban edge of Kidderminster and the open countryside. However, the establishment of significant outer boundary.

To prevent neighbouring CONTRIBUTION towns merging into one Locally, development would extend the urban edge towards the village of Stone. another

To assist in safeguarding CONTRIBUTION the countryside from The land, as part of a larger parcel, was assessed as making a contribution to this purpose, being open encroachment countryside beyond the current urban edge at Comberton/Offmore Farm. Development would compromise this sense of openness, physically and visually, extending development into open countryside with no clear containing boundary.

To preserve the setting LIMITED CONTRIBUTION and special character of This site has no direct visual connection to a historic town but does form part of the countryside context for historic towns the village of Stone to the east.

Overall Assessment of CONTRIBUTION Contribution to Green Belt The site overall makes a contribution to Green Belt purposes by virtue of its role as open countryside Purposes containing the built edge of Kidderminster. In the absence of clear, significant boundaries, development would represent encroachment and sprawl into open countryside which could only be overcome through masterplanning which considered the development in a wider context which attended to the southeastern edge of the town more generally. Whilst there are few visual receptors in this locality and the site is generally well screened from the A448, development would create a fundamentally new relationship between town and country.

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SUMMARY

Site Description Overall Contribution to the Green Effect of Development on Belt Openness

In the absence of clear, significant OC13/N An extensive (60ha approx.) site situated to the east of Kidderminster at Comberton, CONTRIBUTION boundaries, development would immediately north of the A448 Comberton Road/Bromsgrove Road. The land is Land at The site overall makes a contribution to represent encroachment and sprawl predominantly in arable use, of largely flat topography, rising gently to the east from an Stone Hill Green Belt purposes by virtue of its into open countryside which could unnamed watercourse which is well defined by a linear woodland which in turn broadly North role as open countryside containing only be overcome through forms the current eastern boundary of the built-up area of Kidderminster in this location. the built edge of Kidderminster. In the masterplanning which considered Part of The site essentially comprises several large fields with limited internal boundaries (being absence of clear, significant the development in a wider context strategic variously intermittent hedgerow, farm tracks and drainage ditches). The outer boundaries boundaries, development would which attended to the southeastern parcel E1 are firmer, being the A448 to the south and intermittent hedgerows to the south east and represent encroachment and sprawl edge of the town more generally. north east, and the woodland belt associated with the watercourse to the north. However, into open countryside which could only Whilst there are few visual receptors these boundaries cannot be regarded as substantial. From within the site, there are various be overcome through masterplanning in this locality and the site is short, medium and long distance views to the south-east, east and north-west, although which considered the development in a generally well screened from the these are interrupted by tree blocks and belts and hedgerows creating an attractive open wider context which attended to the A448, development would create a countryside prospect. Whilst not of notable quality, landscape character and condition southeastern edge of the town more fundamentally new relationship appears to be reasonably good. Views into the site from the A448 are generally restricted generally. Whilst there are few visual between town and country. by high, dense hedgerows but there are some glimpsed views travelling westwards receptors in this locality and the site is downslope from Stone. Overall, the site is reasonably well visually contained, largely sitting generally well screened from the A448, within a hollow and exposed on its southern extent adjacent to the A488. However, the site development would create a is clearly part of a wider rural landscape which thus far has been set apart from the built fundamentally new relationship edge of Kidderminster by the watercourse and associated tree belt to the east of the site. between town and country. Public access is via a single PRoW running west to east. Prior to site survey, there are no recorded nature conservation or cultural heritage interests on the site.

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WA/BE1 STOURPORT ROAD TRIANGLE ASSESSMENT AGAINST GREEN BELT PURPOSES

Green Belt Purpose Contribution to Green Belt Purposes

To check the unrestricted CONTRIBUTION Development of the site would extend the developed edge of Bewdley southwards sprawl of large built-up areas into the important gap between Bewdley and Stourport. However, the strongly bounded character of the site means that this is unlikely to constitute sprawl.

To prevent neighbouring towns CONTRIBUTION The site is part of the gap between Bewdley and Stourport and development would merging into one another narrow that gap.

To assist in safeguarding the CONTRIBUTION The site has substantial boundaries on all sides and development would be contained countryside from physically. However, the sloping character of the site could create a degree of visual intrusion from the encroachment southern approach to the town along the A456.

To preserve the setting and SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION Whilst there is no direct visual connection with the historic core of special character of historic Bewdley, this site is part of the southern gateway to the town, accessed from the A456, and as such towns development would represent the creation of a new relationship between the current built edge and the wider countryside to the south of the town.

Overall Assessment of CONTRIBUTION The site makes a contribution to the Green Belt in this location by virtue of its location Contribution to Green Belt in the gap between Bewdley and Stourport and visual connection to the wider open countryside which Purposes is part of that gap. However, the strongly bounded character of the site limits the effects of sprawl or encroachment. The likely effect on openness is judged to be limited given the location and bounded character of the site. Of greater potential significance is the role of the site as part of the southern gateway to Bewdley and the effect that a concentrated development of 80 units could have, particularly given the rising topography of the ground.

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SUMMARY

Site Description Overall Contribution to the Green Belt Effect of Development on Openness

WA/BE/1 A medium-scale (3.7ha) site comprising a single arable field CONTRIBUTION The likely effect on openness is judged to be limited which is strongly bounded by the A456 Stourport Road, the given the location and bounded character of the STOURPORT ROAD The site makes a contribution to the Green Belt in B4195 Stourport Road and an access track. The site is site. Of greater potential significance is the role of TRIANGLE this location by virtue of its location in the gap gently sloping with a broad east-west orientation and the site as part of the southern gateway to Bewdley between Bewdley and Stourport and visual Part of strategic forms part of the southerly context for Bewdley as viewed and the effect that a concentrated development of connection to the wider open countryside which parcel SW3 from the B4195. There is no public access and prior to site 80 units could have, particularly given the rising is part of that gap. However, the strongly investigation, there are no recorded nature conservation or topography of the ground. bounded character of the site limits the effects of cultural heritage interests on the site. sprawl or encroachment.

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WA/BE3 BEWDLEY ROAD/KIDDERMINSTER ROAD ASSESSMENT AGAINST GREEN BELT PURPOSES

Green Belt Purpose Contribution to Green Belt Purposes

To check the unrestricted CONTRIBUTION sprawl of large built-up areas Whilst the site is relatively small and well-bounded, it does make a contribution to preventing local sprawl along the Kidderminster Road and the A456.

To prevent neighbouring towns SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION merging into one another The site is part of land which separates Bewdley, Kidderminster and Stourport and is judged to make a significant contribution to this purpose, albeit bounded by the A456.

To assist in safeguarding the CONTRUBUTION countryside from The site is contained on its northern and southern sides, although the encroachment western boundary is less clear.

To preserve the setting and SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION special character of historic As part of the northeastern gateway into Bewdley, the site makes a towns significant contribution, although there is no visual connection with the heart of the town.

Overall Assessment of SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION Contribution to Green Belt Overall, and cumulatively, the site makes a significant contribution to Green Purposes Belt purposes because of its role as part of the wider tract of land separating Bewdley, Stourport and Kidderminster, its role as part of the gateway to Bewdley, a role in preventing wider encroachment and sprawl. Development would reduce openness by bringing the edge of Bewdley southeastwards to meet the A456, although this would act as a long-term edge.

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SUMMARY

Site Description Overall Contribution to the Green Belt Effect of Development on Openness

WA/BE/3 Fields in arable/pastoral use situated off SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION The likely effect on openness is judged to be the principal gateway into Bewdley from significant, reflecting the open countryside character BEWDLEY ROAD/ Overall, and cumulatively, the site makes a significant contribution Kidderminster. The land is largely (albeit containing development along Kidderminster KIDDERMINSTER to Green Belt purposes because of its role as part of the wider tract enclosed by surrounding roads and Road) and its exposure on rising land as part of the ROAD of land separating Bewdley, Stourport and Kidderminster, its role as substantial vegetation of varying density. gateway to Bewdley. Development would part of the gateway to Bewdley, a role in preventing wider Part of strategic There are direct views in from the A456 uncharacteristically urbanise this land. encroachment and sprawl. Development would reduce openness parcel SW2 roundabout. There is no public access by bringing the edge of Bewdley southeastwards to meet the A456, and prior to survey no biodiversity or although this would act as a long-term edge. cultural heritage interest.

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WA/BE5 LAND SOUTH OF HABBERLEY ROAD, BEWDLEY ASSESSMENT AGAINST GREEN BELT PURPOSES

Green Belt Purpose Contribution to Green Belt Purposes

To check the unrestricted CONTRIBUTION sprawl of large built-up areas The size of the site and containment by a hotel to the means that sprawl on Habblerley Road will not occur. Equally, development would be an extension of the urban area and cannot be regarded as ‘rounding-off’.

To prevent neighbouring towns SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION merging into one another The site is part of a larger parcel which makes a significant contribution to preventing the merger of Bewdley and Kidderminster, and although relatively small, is clearly part of this wider land.

To assist in safeguarding the CONTRIBUTION countryside from The site is contained on three sides and shades into the extensive grounds of a hotel immediately to the encroachment east The hotel and grounds cannot be regarded as open countryside, but their scale and character contribute to overall openness in this locality.

To preserve the setting and CONTRIBUTION special character of historic The site is part of the eastern entrance to Bewdley, although there is no visual connection between the towns site and the historic centre of the town.

Overall Assessment of CONTRIBUTION Contribution to Green Belt The overall contribution to Green Belt purposes of the site is mixed. Whilst the site is relatively small and Purposes is an extension of the existing urban edge, it nevertheless serves to contain the eastward expansion of Bewdley into the critical gap between development in this location and the built edge of Kidderminster. The presence of the hotel imparts a semi-urbanised character to the land, and development would add to this impression further reducing the gap between the towns, even though the site is reasonably well enclosed visually.

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SUMMARY

Site Description Overall Contribution to the Green Belt Effect of Development on Openness

WA/BE/5 Two field in pastoral use, both of which abut CONTRIBUTION Development would have a moderate effect on the built edge of Bewdley at New Road, but openness, reflecting its role in the wider context of the HABBERLEY The overall contribution to Green Belt purposes of the site is one which is unbounded its eastern extent. gap between Bewdley and Kidderminster. ROAD mixed. Whilst it is relatively small and is an extension of the There are restricted views into the site. There Notwithstanding the presence of the hotel and extensive existing urban edge, it is nevertheless serves to contain the Part of is no public access and prior to survey no grounds to the northeast, development would extend eastward expansion of Bewdley into the critical gap between strategic parcel biodiversity or cultural heritage interest. the urban edge beyond a simple ‘rounding-off’. development in this location and the built edge of NW1 Kidderminster. The presence of the hotel imparts a semi- urbanised character to the land, and development would add to this impression further reducing the gap between the towns, even though the site is reasonably well enclosed visually.

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WA/KF3 LAND AT LOW HABBERLEY ASSESSMENT AGAINST GREEN BELT PURPOSES

Green Belt Purpose Contribution to Green Belt Purposes

To check the unrestricted SIGNIFICIANT CONTRIBUTION sprawl of large built-up areas The site forms part of the northern edge of the built extent of Kidderminster. As such it contains the spread of the town into open countryside to the north of Habberley Road which in this location contains the contiguous built development to the south. The site, in combination with the wider Green Belt in this location, helps to form part of the context for, and separate identity of, the hamlet of Low Habberley. Development of the site would not constitute ‘roundingoff’, despite the presence of development at Coningsby Drive to the northeast which creates and unbounded extension into open countryside north of Habberley Lane.

To prevent neighbouring towns LIMITED CONTRIBUTION merging into one another The site plays no role is preventing the merger of towns.

To assist in safeguarding the SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION countryside from The site acts as part of the wider Green Belt to the north of Kidderminster, containing the encroachment contiguous built area of the town and preventing encroachment into open countryside. Although contained on three sides by substantial boundaries, the northern boundary comprises an insubstantial hedge.

To preserve the setting and LIMITED CONTRIBUTION special character of historic The site plays no role in preserving the setting of Bewdley or Kidderminster. towns

Overall Assessment of SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION Contribution to Green Belt The site forms part of the arc of Green Belt which contains the northerly extent of Purposes Kidderminster, limiting extension of the contiguous built-up area of the town into open countryside. As such, and in combination with the wider Green Belt in this locality, the site makes a significant contribution to Green Belt purposes of containing sprawl and preventing encroachment.

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SUMMARY

Site Description Overall Contribution to the Green Belt Effect of Development on Openness

WA/KF/3 Phase 1 A small field (6.0ha) bounded by Habberley Lane to the SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION Whilst the site is small and nominally adjacent to the north, Habberley Road to the south east, an unnamed The site forms part of the arc of Green Belt which urban edge of Kidderminster, it is nevertheless LAND AT LOW track leading to High Habberley House to the south and a contains the northerly extent of Kidderminster, limiting exposed visually and physically, being bounded by HABBERLEY hedgerow to the northwest. The site is in arable use and extension of the contiguous built-up area of the town an insubstantial hedge to the north west and thereby falls from northeast to southwest over 20m. A PRoW runs into open countryside. As such, and in combination physically and visually connected to the wider open 6.0ha along the access road to High Habberley House. Prior to with the wider Green Belt in this locality, the site makes countryside. site investigation, there are no recorded nature a significant contribution to Green Belt purposes of Part of Strategic conservation or cultural heritage interests on the site. containing sprawl and preventing encroachment. Parcel NW2

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SITE WFR/CB/3 LAND AT STATION DRIVE, BLAKEDOWN ASSESSMENT AGAINST GREEN BELT PURPOSES

Green Belt Purpose Contribution to Green Belt Purposes

To check the unrestricted CONTRIBUTION sprawl of large built-up areas Development of the site would constitute sprawl, extending the built edge of Blakedown along the A456, although contained nature of the site means that this is only a localised effect. There would be a rounding off of northeastern edge of the village, and in doing so the creation of a new context to village and to some extent the loss of a rural context.

To prevent neighbouring towns LIMITED CONTRIBUTION merging into one another The site plays no clear role in preventing coalescence.

To assist in safeguarding the CONTRIBUTION countryside from The site is strongly enclosed on all sides, but adjoins/is part of open countryside to the north. encroachment

To preserve the setting and CONTRIBUTION special character of historic The site does not contribute to the setting or special character of historic towns or villages, although is a gateway towns site into Blakedown.

Overall Assessment of CONTRIBUTION Contribution to Green Belt The site makes a contribution to Green Belt purposes because of its containment of Blakedown particularly along Purposes the A456 Birmingham Road, The high degree of physical and visual containment limits the impact of development on the Green Belt, although this is a gateway site into Blakedown which is locally significant in turn demanding particular attention to edge treatment, built density and massing.

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SUMMARY

Site Description Overall Contribution to the Green Belt Effect of Development on Openness

WFR/CB/3 A medium scale (2.3ha) site, is a single in arable use, bounded CONTRIBUTION The high degree of physical and visual containment by Station Drive, a railway line, the A456 Birmingham Road and The site makes a contribution to Green Belt limits the impact of development on the Green Belt, LAND AT a hedgerow/thick woodland associated with a watercourse. The purposes because of its containment of although this is a gateway site into Blakedown which STATION DRIVE site is predominantly level but slopes gently down towards the Blakedown particularly along the A456 is locally significant in turn demanding particular BLAKEDOWN watercourse. The site is visually well enclosed, although this is Birmingham Road. attention to edge treatment, built density and less strong on the A456 edge and the site forms part of the massing. 2.25ha eastern entrance to Blakedown, complementing open land on the opposite side of the A456. There is no public access and Part of strategic prior to site investigation, there are no recorded nature parcel NE11 conservation or cultural heritage interests on the site.

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WFR/WC/12 LAND AT LAWNSWOOD ASSESSMENT AGAINST GREEN BELT PURPOSES

Green Belt Purpose Contribution to Green Belt Purposes

To check the unrestricted LIMITED CONTRIBUTION sprawl of large built-up areas The site is reasonably well contained, with a substantial hedge on the southern boundary, built development to the north and east and property boundaries to the northwest. As such development would be contained and not sprawl into open countryside physically, as well as visually, despite the site being on a southerly aspect.

To prevent neighbouring towns LIMITED CONTRIBUTION merging into one another Development of the site would not contribute to the merger of towns or smaller settlements.

To assist in safeguarding the CONTRIBUTION countryside from Despite the reasonable degree of physical and visual enclosure of the site, development encroachment would contribute to encroachment, albeit modestly.

To preserve the setting and LIMITED CONTRIBUTION special character of historic There is no visual connection and development would not affect an historic towns town or local Conservation Area.

Overall Assessment of CONTRIBUTION Contribution to Green Belt The site is well contained and development would not constitute sprawl or Purposes significant encroachment into open countryside. The openness of the countryside would be affected through the addition of built development, although this is not significant given the degree of enclosure on the site's southern boundary and opportunities for boundary treatment to reduce this impact.

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SUMMARY

Site Description Overall Contribution to the Green Belt Effect of Development on Openness

WFR/WC/12 A small site comprising isolated properties set in extensive CONTRIBUTION The openness of the countryside would be affected grounds which includes dense woodland. The triangular site is through the addition of built development, although LAWNSWOOD The site is well contained and development bounded on two sites by Lea Lane to the north and the rear this is not significant given the degree of enclosure WESTHEAD ROAD would not constitute sprawl or significant boundary of properties along Castle Road, but an informal on the site's southern boundary and opportunities NORTH COOKLEY encroachment into open countryside. path/track within dense woodland to the south. The site is for boundary treatment to reduce this impact. Part of strategic visually strongly enclosed by extensive vegetation across its parcel N7 extent. There is no public access to the site and prior to site investigation, there are no recorded nature conservation or cultural heritage interests on the site.

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WFR/WC/18 SION HILL SCHOOL SITE

ASSESSMENT AGAINST GREEN BELT PURPOSES

Green Belt Purpose Contribution to Green Belt Purposes

To check the unrestricted LIMITED CONTRIBUTION sprawl of large built-up areas The site is part of the current built edge of Kidderminster and enclosed to the north, west and south with playing fields to the east. As such development would not constitute sprawl into open countryside.

To prevent neighbouring LIMITED CONTRIBUTION towns merging into one Development of the site will not contribute to the merger of towns or another smaller settlements.

To assist in safeguarding the LIMITED CONTRIBUTION countryside from Development of the site would not contribute to encroachment. encroachment

To preserve the setting and LIMITED CONTRIBUTION special character of historic Development would not affect the setting of an historic town or towns Conservation Area.

Overall Assessment of LIMITED CONTRIBUTION Contribution to Green Belt Development of the site would not compromise the purposes of the Green Belt strategically or locally Purposes because of its scale and containment physically and visually. There would be an effect on openness because of the introduction of built form into open land, but visual containment and previous development on the western part of the site reduces this impact.

SUMMARY

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Site Description Overall Contribution to the Green Belt Effect of Development on Openness

WFR/WC/18 A previously developed school site comprising derelict school LIMITED CONTRIBUTION There would be an effect on openness because of buildings and overgrown playing fields on level ground. The site the introduction of built form into open land, but SION HILL SCHOOL Development of the site would not is adjacent to the existing urban edge to the south and bounded visual containment and previous development on compromise the purposes of the Green 2.1ha by Sion Hill to the west, a substantial hedgerow to the north and the western part of the site reduces this impact. Belt strategically or locally, because of its playing fields to the east. A public right of way runs along the scale and containment physically and Part of strategic parcel southern boundary of the site and along with the built edge of visually. N6 Kidderminster at Ismere Way, Lea Castle Close and Charles Avenue is the principal visual receptor. The site is otherwise visually enclosed.

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MI/24 LAND ADJ. ROCK TAVERN, WILDEN LANE ASSESSMENT AGAINST GREEN BELT PURPOSES

Green Belt Purpose Contribution to Green Belt Purposes

To check the unrestricted Limited Contribution sprawl of large built-up areas The site is contained within the built envelope of Wilden.

To prevent neighbouring Limited Contribution towns merging into one The site is contained within the built envelope of Wilden. another

To assist in safeguarding the Limited Contribution countryside from The site is contained within the built envelope of Wilden. encroachment

To preserve the setting and Limited Contribution special character of historic The site is neither adjacent, nor visually connected to, a Conservation Area. towns

Overall Assessment of Limited Contribution Contribution to Green Belt The site is small, part of the built extent of the village of Wilden and whilst contributing Purposes modestly to the openness of the village which is washed over by Green Belt, does not contribute to wider Green Belt purposes.

SUMMARY

Site Description Overall Contribution to the Green Belt Effect of Development on Openness

MI/24 Overgrown land situated between the Rock Tavern public The site is small, part of the built extent Openness of the Green Belt will be affected to the house and a residential dwelling, immediately off Wilden of the village of Wilden and whilst extent of the introduction of additional built form into Land adjacent to the Rock Lane, Wilden. The site is elevated from Wilden Lane and contributing modestly to the openness of the built-up extent of Wilden. However, the site is Tavern, Wilden Lane there are no views in, particularly when combined with the the village which is washed over by raised above Wilden Lane and otherwise enclosed by dense vegetation covering the site. The site is set within Green Belt, does not contribute to wider property boundaries meaning that the overall effect Part of strategic parcel the built extent of the village which in turn is washed over Green Belt purposes. on the openness of the settlement is limited. SW12 by Green Belt designation.

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WA/UA/1 BELLMAN’S CROSS, SHATTERFORD ASSESSMENT AGAINST GREEN BELT PURPOSES

Green Belt Purpose Contribution to Green Belt Purposes

To check the unrestricted Contribution sprawl of large built-up areas Whilst not part of a large built-up area, the site protects land against the concentration of development along the A442 in an area of open countryside generally characterised by dispersed development (the cluster of development along Arley lane excepted).

To prevent neighbouring Limited Contribution towns merging into one The site does not lie directly between settlements. another

To assist in safeguarding the Contribution countryside from The site is part of open countryside which, by virtue of its relatively remote nature, is sensitive to encroachment as a encroachment result of incremental development. Whilst the site is bounded by the A442 and Arley Lane, it is without a substantive boundary to the southwest and southeast meaning there is a risk of further encroachment.

To preserve the setting and Limited Contribution special character of historic The site is neither adjacent to nor visually connected with a Conservation Area. towns

Overall Assessment of Contribution Contribution to Green Belt The site is part of open countryside which is vulnerable to encroachment by incremental development and the Green Purposes Belt helps to prevent from happening, particularly in accessible locations such as adjacent to main roads.

SUMMARY

Site Description Overall Contribution to the Green Belt Effect of Development on Openness

WA/UA/1 Land situated off the A442 Bridgnorth Road and Arley Lane, Contribution Development would compromise the openness of the Green Bellman’s Cross, Shatterford, bounded by the A442 and Arley Lane, otherwise The site is part of open countryside Belt in this location through the introduction of a substantial Shatterford insubstantial (comprising mature trees) boundaries to the which is vulnerable to encroachment by concentration of built development into an area characterised southwest and southeast. Land use is a mixture of incremental development and the Green by dispersed development (notwithstanding development Part of strategic pasture/open woodland on the majority of the site to the Belt helps to prevent from happening, further along Arley Lane).Whilst development could be largely parcel NW5 southeast, a village hall and adjacent rough grassland to the particularly in accessible locations such screened and physically contained,, its scale would introduce a northwest. There are views into the northwest extent of the as adjacent to main roads. new character to this locality. If proposed for development, it

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site from Arley Lane, but otherwise it is screened by dense would be prudent to consider retaining washed over Green Belt vegetation and topography, including along the A442 status in order to control potential encroachment from weak site frontage. boundaries.

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WA/UA/4 ALLOTMENTS UPPER ARLEY ASSESSMENT AGAINST GREEN BELT PURPOSES

Green Belt Purpose Contribut ion to Green Belt Purposes

To check the unrestricted LIMITED CONTRIBUTION sprawl of large built-up The site is enclosed physically and visually and development would not constitute sprawl. areas

To prevent neighbouring LIMITED CONTRIBUTION towns merging into one Development would not contribute to merger. another

To assist in safeguarding CONTRIBUTION the countryside from The high degree of physical and visual enclosure limits encroachment into the open encroachment countryside to the east.

To preserve the setting and CONTRIBUTION special character of historic Development is of a scale and degree of physical and visual containment such that character towns of the village and its Conservation Area is unlikely to be compromised, subject to detailed scrutiny of development design.

Overall Assessment of CONTRIBUTION Contribution to Green Belt The physical and visual enclosure of the site means that development would not compromise Purposes the purposes of the Green Belt strategically or locally and the effect on openness would not be significant, being an extension of the existing built edge of the village. The effect of development on openness is likely to be limited, reflecting the scale and physical and visual enclosure of the site.

SUMMARY

Site Description Overall Contribution to the Green Belt Effect of Development on Openness

A small (0.5ha) site previously in use as allotments The effect of development on openness is likely to WA/UA/4 CONTRIBUTION which is on sloping land towards the River Severn and be limited, reflecting the scale and physical and ALLOTMENTS bounded by thick hedgerows and scrub on three sides The physical and visual enclosure of the site means that visual enclosure of the site. UPPER ARLEY and a steep embankment onto Arley Lane on the development would not compromise the purposes of the fourth, resulting in strong physical and visual Green Belt strategically or locally and the effect on

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0.46ha containment. There is no public access and prior to openness would not be significant, being an extension of site investigation, there are no recorded nature the existing built edge of the village. Part of strategic conservation or cultural heritage interests on the site. parcel NW5

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WA/UA/6 RED LION CAR PARK, UPPER ARLEY ASSESSMENT AGAINST GREEN BELT PURPOSES

Green Belt Purpose Contribution to Green Belt Purposes

To check the unrestricted sprawl of Limited Contribution large built-up areas The site makes only a very modest contribution to preventing sprawl along the A442.

To prevent neighbouring towns Limited Contribution merging into one another The site does not lie directly between settlements.

To assist in safeguarding the Contribution countryside from encroachment The site is part of open countryside which, by virtue of its relatively remote nature, is sensitive to encroachment as a result of incremental development. However, the site is clearly bounded with limited risk of encroachment to the east.

To preserve the setting and special Limited Contribution character of historic towns The site is neither adjacent to nor visually connected with a Conservation Area.

Overall Assessment of Contribution Contribution to Green Belt Purposes The site is part of open countryside which is vulnerable to encroachment by incremental development and the Green Belt helps to prevent from happening, particularly in accessible locations such as adjacent to main roads. However, the size and the bounded character of the site means that overall, the contribution to the Green Belt is limited.

SUMMARY

Site Description Overall Contribution to the Green Belt Effect of Development on Openness

WA/UA/6 Land to the northeast of the A442 Contribution Development of the site would have limited effect of the Bridgnorth Road, bounded by the The site is part of open countryside which is vulnerable to openness of the Green Belt, reflecting the size of the site, its Red Lion Car A442, Lion Lane and a hedgerow to encroachment by incremental development and the Green Belt strongly bounded character and relationship with Park, Upper Arley the east. The site comprises the car helps to prevent from happening, particularly in accessible development across Lion Lane. If proposed for development, it park of former Red Lion public house locations such as adjacent to main roads. However, the size and would be prudent to consider retaining washed over Green Part of strategic (now redeveloped for houses), fully the bounded character of the site means that overall, there is a Belt status in order to control potential encroachment from parcel N12 visible from the A442 and Lion Lane. contribution to the Green Belt, albeit modest. weak site boundaries.

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WFR/CC/8 FOLD FARM, CHADDESLEY CORBETT ASSESSMENT AGAINST GREEN BELT PURPOSES

Green Belt Purpose Contribution to Green Belt Purposes

To check the unrestricted sprawl of Limited Contribution large built-up areas The site is set within the hamlet of Chaddesley Corbett.

To prevent neighbouring towns Limited Contribution merging into one another The site is set within the hamlet of Chaddesley Corbett.

To assist in safeguarding the Limited Contribution countryside from encroachment The site is set within the hamlet of Chaddesley Corbett.

To preserve the setting and special Contribution character of historic towns The site forms part of the southeastern extent of the Chaddesley Corbett Conservation Area and contributes to maintaining the openness and hence character in this part of the village.

Overall Assessment of Contribution Contribution to Green Belt Purposes The site contributes to the openness and character of the village being part of the Conservation Area.

SUMMARY

Site Description Overall Contribution to the Green Belt Effect of Development on Openness

WFR/CC/8 Land to the west of Fold Farm, south of an Contribution Development would compromise the openness of the Green Belt in unnamed track (and PRoW), which along with The site contributes to the openness and this location, albeit modestly given the size and location of the site. Land at Fold residential properties to the west bound the site character of the village being part of the The potential effects on the village Conservation Area are greater and Farm, Chaddesley on three sides. A hedgeline forms the southern Conservation Area. would have to be subject to a separate historic environment Corbett boundary. There are views into the site from the evaluation. PRoW to the north only, with no views in from the If proposed for development, it would be prudent to consider Part of strategic A448 Kidderminster Road to the southwest. retaining washed over Green Belt status in order to control potential parcel E9 encroachment from weak site boundaries.

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WFR/WC/36 ROCK TAVERN CAR PARK, CAUNSALL ASSESSMENT AGAINST GREEN BELT PURPOSES

Green Belt Purpose Contribution to Green Belt Purposes

To check the unrestricted Limited Contribution sprawl of large built-up areas The site lies within the built envelope of the hamlet as arranged along Caunsall Road.

To prevent neighbouring Limited Contribution towns merging into one The site does not lie between settlements. another

To assist in safeguarding the Limited Contribution countryside from The site lies within the built envelope of the village as arranged along Caunsall Road, with open encroachment countryside immediately to the north of the site.

To preserve the setting and Limited Contribution special character of historic The site is not adjacent or visually connected to a Conservation Area. towns

Overall Assessment of Limited Contribution Contribution to Green Belt The size and location of the site means that its contribution to the Green Belt is minimal, aside from Purposes being part of the washed over settlement of Caunsall where openness is sought to be maintained.

SUMMARY

Site Description Overall Contribution to the Green Belt Effect of Development on Openness

WFR/WC/36 Land to the northwest of the junction between Limited Contribution The site is part of the built extent of Caunsall and makes only the most Caunsall Road and Kinver Road, comprising The size and location of the site means modest contribution to maintaining openness given the site’s size and Rock Tavern Car the car park of a former public house. The site that its contribution to the Green Belt is location. Development would not compromise the open character of the Park, Caunsall is bounded by an indistinct hedgerow to the minimal, aside from being part of the hamlet as a whole which is washed over by Green Belt. north, a property boundary to the west, washed over settlement of Caunsall If proposed for development, it would be prudent to consider retaining Part of strategic Caunsall Road to the south and Kinver Road to where openness is sought to be washed over Green Belt status in order to control potential parcel N9 the east. maintained. encroachment from weak site boundaries.

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WFR/WC/37 LAND AT CAUNSALL ROAD, CAUNSALL ASSESSMENT AGAINST GREEN BELT PURPOSES

Green Belt Purpose Contribution to Green Belt Purposes

To check the unrestricted Contribution sprawl of large built-up areas Locally, the site contains the built extent of the hamlet of Caunsall as arranged along Caunsall Road.

To prevent neighbouring towns Limited Contribution merging into one another The site does not lie between settlements.

To assist in safeguarding the Contribution countryside from The site forms part of open countryside to the east of Caunsall and is poorly bounded on its northern and encroachment eastern extents.

To preserve the setting and Limited Contribution special character of historic The site is neither adjacent to, nor visually connected with, a Conservation Area. towns

Overall Assessment of Contribution Contribution to Green Belt The site forms a significant part of the eastern context of Caunsall, containing the built extent of the hamlet Purposes and thereby localised extension of built development along the Caunsall Road. The site is part of open countryside to the east of Caunsall which is vulnerable to change through incremental development.

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SUMMARY

Site Description Overall Contribution to the Green Belt Effect of Development on Openness

WFR/WC/37 Land adjacent to the eastern edge of the built extent Contribution Development of the site would compromise the openness of of Caunsall. Bordered by Caunsall Road to the south, The site forms a significant part of the eastern the Green Belt in this location, reflecting its role in containing Land at Caunsall residential gardens to the west, a post and rail fence context of Caunsall, containing the built extent the eastern extent of Caunsall and the site’s weakly bounded Road, Caunsall to the north and a farm holding to the east. The land of the hamlet and thereby localised extension character. The visual exposure of the site as part of the is under pasture/hay and rises northward from of built development along the Caunsall Road. northern valley side of the River Stour means that the physical Part of strategic Caunsall Road over around 8m as part of the The site is part of open countryside to the east and visual impact of development would be amplified. parcel N9 southward facing slopes of the valley of the River of Caunsall which is vulnerable to change If proposed for development, it would be prudent to consider Stour. through incremental development. retaining washed over Green Belt status in order to control potential encroachment from weak site boundaries.

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CURSLEY DISTRIBUTION PARK ASSESSMENT AGAINST GREEN BELT PURPOSES

Green Belt Purpose Contribution to Green Belt Purposes / Analys is

To check the unrestricted LIMITED CONTRIBUTION sprawl of large built-up The site is located in open countryside at some distance from a built-up area. Development would therefore not constitute sprawl. areas

To prevent neighbouring LIMITED CONTRIBUTION towns merging into one Development of the site would not lead to the merger of towns or other settlements, being set in open countryside. another

To assist in safeguarding CONTRIBUTION the countryside from The current development is moderately well defined by external boundaries, with minor roads to the east and west. Boundaries to the south, north and northwest are less substantial, being hedgerows. encroachment

To preserve the setting and LIMITED CONTRIBUTION special character of historic The site plays no clear role in defining the setting for Kidderminster or Droitwich. towns

Overall Assessment of CONTRIBUTION Contribution to Green Belt The site contributes to the Green Belt in this location being part of open countryside between Kidderminster and Droitwich. However, the scale of current development is such that any change in Purposes use on the same footprint is unlikely to compromise the wider function of the Green Belt in this location.

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SUMMARY

Site Description Overall Contribution to the Green Belt Effect of Development on Openness

WFR-ST-9 A small-scale site (4ha) currently in use as a distribution depot. Located in CONTRIBUTION A denser building footprint would be open countryside to the north of the A442 between Kidderminster and The site contributes to the Green Belt in this balanced against a reduction in building CURSLEY Droitwich, the site is bounded to the east by Curslow Lane and to the west, location being part of open countryside between height in what is an open rural DISTRIBUTION in part, by an unnamed minor road and intermittent hedgerow. To the south Kidderminster and Droitwich. However, the scale landscape which hosts a number of such PARK the boundaries are a hedgerow and PRoW, and to the north a hedgerow. of current development is such that any change visually prominent distribution-related The surrounding lands is of an open aspect with short and medium-distance in use on the same footprint is unlikely to developments. 4.0ha views across land predominantly in arable use comprising small to medium compromise the wider function of the Green Belt scale hedged fields. The buildings currently on site are two/three-story in this location. Part of Strategic distribution sheds which are visually conspicuous but akin to similar Parcel SE4 developments in the vicinity. Prior to site investigation, there are no recorded nature conservation or cultural heritage interests on the site.

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RUSHOCK INDUSTRIAL ESTATE ASSESSMENT AGAINST GREEN BELT PURPOSES

Green Belt Purpose Contribution to Green Belt Purposes / Analys is

To check the unrestricted Limited Contribution sprawl of large built-up areas The site is self-contained and well established, and whilst of a relatively large scale does not constitute sprawl.

To prevent neighbouring Limited Contribution towns merging into one The site does not lie directly between settlements which could result in merger, actual or perceived. another

To assist in safeguarding Contribution the countryside from The site lies in open countryside between Kidderminster and Droitwich as such somewhat incongruous. The encroachment countryside is sensitive to encroachment from built development.

To preserve the setting and Limited Contribution special character of historic towns The site does not have a visual or physical relationship with a Conservation Area.

Overall Assessment of Contribution Contribution to Green Belt Purposes The site lies in open countryside which is sensitive to encroachment from built development such through extension of a built footprint or intensification of use.

SUMMARY

Site Description Overall Contribution to the Green Belt Effect of Development on Openness

A large, moderately densely built-up site containing This is a long-established employment/commercial Rushock Trading Contribution various enterprises, on land previously developed as a site with a clear development footprint. However, it is Estate WWII RAF depot (along with 8 other sites in the vicinity). The site lies in open countryside which is sensitive situated in open countryside which is vulnerable to The site is situated immediately off the A442 Part of strategic to encroachment from built development such encroachment through extension and/or parcel SE6 Kidderminster – Droitwich Road in open countryside, with through extension of a built footprint or external borders to the site defined by the immediate intensification of use.

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curtilage and built footprint of various commercial uses on intensification of existing uses. As such retention of site. There is no public access. Green Belt policy washed over the site is desirable.

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WEST MIDLANDS SAFARI PARK ASSESSMENT AGAINST GREEN BELT PURPOSES

Green Belt Purpose Contribution to Green Belt Purposes / Analys is

To check the unrestricted CONTRIBUTION sprawl of large built-up areas Adjacent to the A456 Kidderminster Road, the site is part of land which contains the westerly extent of Kidderminster, preventing further extension of the town into open land. However, the West Midlands Safari Park has introduced significant leisure-related built development into this area making it vulnerable to sprawl.

To prevent neighbouring SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION towns merging into one another The site, along with land to the north of the A456, forms the gap between Kidderminster and Bewdley. Although compromised by the built development associated with the West Midlands Safari Park, the sense of separation is maintained.

To assist in safeguarding CONTRIBUTION the countryside from encroachment Although openness has to some extent been compromised by development associated with the West Midlands Safari Park, the site retains a largely open aspect, particularly when considered as part of wider land to the east which is protected by the SSSI designation.

To preserve the setting and CONTRIBUTION special character of historic towns Contributes to the setting of Bewdley, forming part of the easterly entrance to the town, although the direct visual connection between the two is limited.

Overall Assessment of SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION Contribution to Green Belt Purposes A combination of roles makes the overall contribution of this site to Green Belt purposes significant, reflecting its role as part of the land which separates Kidderminster and Bewdley and providing part of the eastern context for Bewdley.

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SUMMARY

Site Description Overall Contribution to the Green Belt Effect of Development on Openness

A large and long-established leisure attraction to the south of SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION Notwithstanding the extent and long-standing West Midland the Kidderminster – Bewdley Road, comprising an assortment A combination of roles makes the overall character of built development already associated Safari Park of built structures (including leisure rides, administrative contribution of this site to Green Belt purposes with the site, the Green Belt is nevertheless Part of strategic buildings and car parking) set within extensive grounds. The site significant, reflecting its role as part of the land vulnerable to intensification. This would affect both parcel SW1 boundary to the developed parts of the site are complex and which separates Kidderminster and Bewdley the direct role of the site in its role in preventing the reflect a combination of the historic use (centred on a large and providing part of the eastern context for merger of towns but also its role in combination with stately home) and use of the site’s geography to locate various Bewdley. land to the north of the A456 and to the east and leisure and wildlife attractions. southeast.

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Issued by Approved by

…………………………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………….. Robert Deanwood Dave Kenyon

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