We are currently working to submit an Outline Planning Application (all matters reserved apart from access and drainage) for up to 16 dwellings at Clows Top Garage, Clows Top, Kidderminster, DY14 9HG.
As part of the preparation of this application we have engaged with a Pre-application Advice Request with Wyre Forest District Council who confirmed, on 14 August 2025, that they agree re-development of the site to residential would be beneficial, and acceptable in principle, and that it is difficult to envisage any other alternative use for the site going forward other than one of residential and indeed it is one within the residential development boundary. The proposal at this stage, is as stated above, to be outline only insofar as it seeks to secure the principle of development along with details relating to access and drainage. Further details such as housing mix, housing design and other detailed matters would be considered and determined at a second stage – reserved matters which is evidently a secondary application process.
In addition to the pre-application advice engagement with Wyre Forest District Council we have also engaged directly with Worcestershire County Council as a separate pre-application exercise with specific regard to access onto the A456 to ensure that the proposal is appropriate in the context of both the speed of vehicles utilising the road (a speed survey has been undertaken) as well as ensuring appropriate connectivity to Clows Top. The application will be accommodated by full access details and a Transport Statement with the Road Safety Audit being finalised with the County Council during the application process.
Finally, in relation to drainage, our Drainage Consultant has specifically engaged with the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) and highways regarding surface and treated foul discharge from the site so, in that regard, drainage has specifically been considered and developed pre-application to form part of the initial submission. The red line boundary, to the south, is shaped as such to accommodate an attenuation basin and a drainage connection route as per discussions with the LLFA and highways. Aside from this the application will also be supported, amongst other things, by full ecological and trees surveys (bat surveys have been completed of the existing buildings) as well Biodiversity Net Gain calculations and a contamination survey.
The links below are to indicative layout plans which would be utilised as part of the application which seeks to demonstrate the potential developable area (for up to 16 dwellings) but this would be subject to further consideration, and finalisation, at reserved matters as to the final number of dwellings but, evidently, the maximum the site would seek to accommodate as a result of outline permission would be 16 dwellings.
The proposal also seeks to demonstrate that consideration has been given to, for example, matters such as the required children’s play area (which would have a theme confirmed by reserved matters – the Council has suggested a farming theme) and, as you will see from the labelling on the attached plan, a pedestrian link to the site via the Village Hall (this would be subject to agreement with the Parish Council as appropriate and we have contacted the PC to seek their comments on this, and the proposals in general, in the coming weeks).
I would reiterate, again, that the proposal will be submitted as outline so matters relating to detail (aside from access and drainage) would be a consideration at the next stage and not within this initial application but if anyone does have any comments which they to feed back to be taken into account we would welcome your response by 5pm on Friday 3rd October 2025 via: consultation@eldnarconsultancy.co.uk.
Plan Links: