Author: atif

Many residents will remember that Wychavon District Council supported the rejection of the planning application for land to the east of Dilmore Lane and north of Suffolk Way. That decision was later taken to appeal, and the Planning Inspectorate ultimately upheld the appeal. As a result, Wychavon has been required to pay £50,000 in costs, in addition to its own legal and preparation expenses. It has been an expensive process for all involved.

The outcome of this and other recent planning appeals has made one thing clear: unless a development presents critical issues that cannot be resolved through amendments, national policy is firmly driving the delivery of the Government’s target of
1.5 million new homes. In light of this, the Parish Council believes it is time to adjust our approach so that we can secure the best possible outcomes for our community.
Working with developers—rather than simply opposing proposals—gives us a better chance of influencing what is provided for residents. This does not mean we will stop objecting where a development is illogical or where it places unacceptable pressure on infrastructure such as road capacity or surface water drainage. Those concerns will continue to be raised robustly. But we also need to ensure that growth brings real benefits to the parish.

A Parish That Has Grown—But Without the Services to Match
Over the past 20 years, the number of households in North Claines Parish has doubled. Yet the services that many neighbouring villages enjoy have not followed. We still have no pharmacy, GP surgery, dental practice, community hub, or dedicated space for activities that support the wellbeing of our growing population.

To begin addressing this gap, the Parish Council is proposing to use a parcel of land within Fernhill Heath to build a community hub or hall for the parish. This will be a long term project. Realistically, construction would not begin until late
2027 or early 2028. However, there are many stages to complete before then, and we need to start the process now.

A Vision for a Community Hub
Our vision is that a community hub will act as a catalyst for bringing much needed services into the parish. The facility could host a range of popup or part-time services, such as:
– Parent and toddler groups
– Health and wellbeing activities
– Employment support
– Childcare
– Library services
– Advice and information sessions

It would also provide a flexible community space for local clubs, groups, and activities.

Funding the Project
The land is available, but the Parish Council will need to fund the construction of the building. We are proposing to use a Public Works Loan Board loan—a government backed, low interest loan—repaid over 25 years through the parish precept. For a 300sqm facility, the estimated cost would equate to approximately £0.96 per week for a Band D household, collected through Council Tax.

We Want Your Feedback
More detailed information will be published soon. For now, we are asking residents for their views on the principle of creating a community facility. A feedback sheet is included with this edition of Parish Focus. Please take a moment to answer the two questions and provide your name and address. This helps us ensure responses come from parish residents and gives us a clear understanding of community feeling about the proposal. Your input will shape the next steps.

Please complete the below form by 31 st March 2026. Any survey forms received after the deadline will be disregarded.

https://www.northclainesparishcouncil.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Village-Hall-Survey.docx

Name *

First

Last

Address *

Postcode *

1) Are you in favour of North Claines Parish Council proceeding with the Community Hub project? *

• Yes
• No

purposes to Claines

2) Are you in favour of North Claines Parish Council proceeding with the Community Hub project if it includes a council tax precept increase of 81% which is equivalent to £49.92 per year or £0.96 per week for the purposes of the loan repayments? *

• Yes
• No

Submit

Fernhill Heaths scarecrow trail and competition will take place during half term week – 28th October to 3rd November.  We hope that children and families of all ages will have fun creating and making a scarecrow to put outside their homes or in the window.

Last year saw even more fabulous and inventive scarecrows springing up all over the village. Can you help us beat last year’s numbers and make it a true invasion?

BBC Hereford and Worcester came out to make a short video and also aired the story on the radio. As a result, lots of visitors came, and along with local and families, happily and excitedly, followed the scarecrow trail around the village.

The closing date for entries is 26th October and the judging will take place on Wednesday 30th October by the manager of Fernhill House Care Home, who are kindly sponsoring the event.

Entry forms are available now and the route to take in order to see all the scarecrows will be available from the Costcutter and Spar Shops from 27th October.  Refreshments will be available at the Baptist Church on O’keys Lane throughout the day.

For further information please contact Meg on 01905 454601.

On Saturday November 30th from 2-4pm Father Christmas will be visiting Fernhill Heath again. He will travel around the village before arriving at his grotto in the Memorial Hall Fernhill Heath at 2pm. There will be various stalls and childrens activities in the hall – an excellent time to do some Christmas shopping. Refreshments will also be available – so keep the date free in your diary! More information will be available nearer the date and in the upcoming “Events” booklet. For further information please contact Meg on 01905 454601.

The North Claines Parish Council website has been re-designed and updated so that news about the Parish, its events and other relevant information related to the area can be shared with Parishioners. If you have any suggestions or feedback, please do not hesitate to contact us.