SGC’s Local Plan is currently undergoing examination which includes a series of Hearings and this has allowed the Parish Council to put forward a further objection to the proposed allocation of land between the B4055 Marsh Common Road and the mainline railway for development of more warehouses. This area is Green Belt land which should only be allocated in exceptional circumstances so the Parish Council commissioned planning consultants to prepare a Hearing Statement and this has been presented to the Planning Inspectors who are examining the draft plan.

The proposals for Severnside were discussed on 17th June and a Parish Councillor was present to hear any representations made by other parties. It remains the case that SGC are arguing that Green Belt changes are needed to provide “Grow On Space” for Severnside despite no evidence of any actual need.

At the same Hearing the Parish Council learnt that SGC intend to allocate the areas know as Plots M & N Severn Road (Orchard Pools) for warehouse development. The Parish Council advised that these sites are believed to form part of the ecology mitigation for the Western Approach development and, in the absence of any pressing need for further space, should not be allocated. For information an application for development of these sites is currently being considered by the Secretary of State.

Another element of the discussion was around the shared aspiration for a new spine road through the Enterprise Area which would help relieve the traffic pressure on the A403. The Parish Council maintain that a tranche of land should be safeguarded for the continuation of the current road through to the Hallen Road. At the time of the discussion the apparent setback to the new M49 junction was not known about but the Parish Council have updated the Planning Inspectors since the hearing as it may have an impact.