Councillors Raise Strong Objection as Green Belt Development Proposals Emerge in Claines

Claines ward councillors Mel Allcott, Karen Holmes and Jessie Jagger are expressing their firm and unequivocal objection to emerging pre-planning proposals for development at Church Farm, Claines — a site located within the Green Belt. The site, owned by R H Phillips & Co and Church Farm (Worcestershire) Ltd, is being promoted by Summix, raising significant and wide-ranging concerns that cannot be overlooked.

The proposals are currently at pre-application stage, an early and informal part of the planning process where developers seek initial feedback from planning officers before deciding whether to submit a full application. No formal application has yet been submitted and no decisions have been made.

Pre-application discussions are typically treated as confidential at this stage. However, Cllr Jessie Jagger and Cllr Mel Allcott were provided with early information in their capacity as Liberal Democrat group leaders on a “need to know” basis. Following this, the councillors sought clarity on what could be shared publicly and pushed for information to be released at the earliest appropriate opportunity, with the agreement of the developers, to ensure transparency and allow residents to be informed as early as possible§§

The councillors are sharing this information now so residents are aware at the earliest stage and can engage in the process.

First and foremost, the land in question lies within the designated Green Belt. National and local planning policy is clear: Green Belt land exists to prevent urban sprawl, safeguard the countryside, and preserve the character of historic settlements such as Claines. Development in these areas should only occur in truly exceptional circumstances. This is a high threshold, and no such justification has yet been demonstrated in this case.

Equally concerning is the fact that this site is not included in the recently approved South Worcestershire Development Plan Review (SWDPR) 2021–2041. This plan was subject to extensive consultation, scrutiny, and independent examination before adoption. The omission of Church Farm from the SWDPR reflects a considered, evidence-based decision that the site is not appropriate for development.

Claines is also a designated Conservation Area, recognised for its historic and architectural importance. Any large-scale development risks causing irreversible harm to its character, setting, and heritage assets. The cumulative impact of building on this site would fundamentally alter the rural identity of the community.

Cllr Mel Allcott said: “Residents will understandably be concerned to hear that development is being explored on Green Belt land. We have seen proposals like this before, and community engagement has been crucial in shaping outcomes. The Green Belt designation is a significant factor, and any proposal would need to be carefully tested against that.”

Cllr Jessie Jagger added: “Pre-application discussions are often not public at this stage, so it was important to us that residents were made aware as early as possible once we were able to do so. We will continue to engage constructively, but we are clear that we will stand up for our residents and ensure their views are fully represented as this progresses.”

Residents should be aware that this is currently a pre-planning stage, and while no formal planning application has yet been submitted, it is crucial that community views are made clear at the earliest opportunity.

How residents can object and make their voices heard

Engage early: Submit comments directly to the developer during any pre-application consultation. These responses can influence whether and how a formal application is brought forward.

Stay informed: Monitor the local planning authority’s website for any formal application submission.

Submit formal objections: When an application is lodged, objections should be made through the official planning portal. Focus on material planning considerations such as Green Belt policy, conflict with the SWDPR, impact on the Conservation Area, traffic, infrastructure, and environmental harm.

Coordinate with local groups: Working collectively with parish councils and residents’ associations can strengthen the impact of objections.

Contact your councillors: The ward councillors are available to represent residents’ views and ensure they are properly considered.

The developer has said they will carry out consultation over the coming months as part of the pre-application process. If they decide to proceed, a formal planning application would then be submitted and published by the local planning authority, at which point residents will have the opportunity to submit formal comments before any decision is made.

Jessie, Karen and Mel as Claines Councillors will continue to monitor the situation closely, keep residents informed, and stand with the community in protecting Claines from inappropriate development that conflicts with established planning policy, threatens the Green Belt, and risks lasting damage to the Conservation Area.