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Please Read: Planning, Growth, and a New Vision for North Claines

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

February meeting of the Parish Council

The Parish Council meet tonight at 730 in the Baptist Church on Okeys Lane, amongst other items they will be discussing a potential village hall and also a pre planning application on Station Road for 150 houses. Everyone is welcome to attend althought the public may only speak during public question time.

There is also one vacancy for the Parish Council if you are interested in applying. The agenda is on the website under agendas!

Parish Facilities Questionnaire

North Claines Parish Council is considering what facilities may be needed in the future based on the number of new houses that have been approved for construction in the parish. In the last 18 months we have in excess of 160 new homes receiving planning approval and based on the current emphasis on new homes there could well be more in the near future.
You need to tell us what your needs are. There is not unlimited funding so we need to make sure resources and facilities are relevant.

Please click on this link to give your views on the future facilities for North Claines Parish.

The Brum Play area

The surface of the Brum has cracked in the hot weather and has created a trip hazard in certain parts of the play area. It has been fenced off for you protection and the Council is seeking quotes to repair/replace the surfaces.

Vacancy of a Councillor at North Claines Parish Council

North Claines Parish Council can have up to ten Councillors and currently we have only 6. If you would like to be considered for a vacancy please email the at clerk@northclainesparishcouncil.gov.uk.

Please see the advertisement of a co-option vacancy at the Council in the publications part of the website. This is a notice of intention to recruit councillors to the Council by co-option should applicants apply.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Volunteers are needed in the Parish to help with the upkeep of Bull Meadow.

Bull Meadow with its ponds, orchard, tiny forest and paths are in need of local help.

if you have any skills, knowledge or even a keen interest in landscaping, trees, gardening and associated maintenance then North Claines Parish Council would love you to join our team.

Please email clerk@northclainesparishcouncil.gov.uk with any offers to help – in particular over the summer.