West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin this week repeated her call for green spaces to be clearly noted in the long term planning strategy for South Worcestershire. The MP was responding to changes introduced to the South Worcestershire Development Plan discussed by district councilors earlier this month. Harriett commented: “The coalition Government has abolished national house-building targets and given local councilors responsibility for local plans. “The National Planning Policy Framework allows local plans to protect green spaces using a range of different designations.” “The revised plan should show a ‘Green Plan’ which specifically designates all the land that has been protected under the various levels of protection. It should also designate the prime agricultural land. “In particular, the green areas between Worcester and the villages of Hallow, Lower Broadheath, Rushwick and Kempsey are highly valued by constituents. “The designation of local ‘green space’ may be helpful in safeguarding these places.” Harriett also reiterated the need to emphasise the next five years and to separate short-term development plans from sites which could be used over the next 20 years. She added: “Although I understand that the plan needs to look ahead to 2030 in order to develop a strategic approach to infrastructure, it is important to have a five-year and supply for housing and employment. “Emphasising the different five year phases more clearly in the plan documents would be helpful for residents who may have very different time horizons. “Wherever possible, the plan should show where the preference is for development in the next five years.” | SWDP Consultation