The Old Cider Mill Bastonford Powick Worcester WR2 4SL

1. 1.Based on the information provided, it is considered that the applicant’s ‘accommodation needs’ relate to the need for a dwelling which meets modern standards relating to structural performance and thermal efficiency. It is considered that the desire to improve upon the basic nature of the existing dwelling and improve its thermal performance, does not constitute a sufficient reason for demolishing the existing dwelling. In addition, the works required to achieve such accommodation needs are set out within the submitted Structural Condition Report (SCR), however it is considered that these works could be carried out as part of the ‘refurbishment’ of the existing dwelling. The required works set out within the SCR are commonly required when looking to improve the quality of an ageing and/or rudimentary dwelling. The need to carry out such works is not considered a sufficient reason to demolish an existing property and build a new dwelling. In light of the above, it is considered that the applicant's accommodation needs do not justify the demolition of the existing dwelling and that it has not been suitably demonstrated that such accommodation needs cannot be met through the alteration, extension and/or refurbishment of the existing dwelling. Therefore, the proposal is considered to represent an unacceptable form of development within the open-countryside, contrary to Policy SWDPR 03 and Part A(ii) of Policy SWDPR 23 of the South Worcestershire Development Plan Review (2026) and the National Planning Policy Framework.
2. 2.Insufficient information has been provided to demonstrate that the proposed development would mitigate the impacts of climate change through sustainable approaches to design and construction. Therefore, the application is contrary to Part C of Policy SWDPR 05 of the South Worcestershire Development Plan Review (2026) and Chapter 14 of the National Planning Policy Framework.
3. 3.No mechanism (a Section 106 agreement) has been entered into to secure the self-build element of the development. As such, the application fails to demonstrate that it would be exempt development or that the biodiversity gain condition could be met if the proposed development was brought forward as a market dwelling. The development is therefore contrary to Paragraph 187 of the National Planning Policy Framework, Schedule 7A of The Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and Policy SWDPR 30 of the South Worcestershire Development Plan Review (2026).

From the council's decision notice.

Postcode

WR2 4SL

Application type

Full planning permission

Scale / size

Small

Parish

Powick CP

Date validated

17 April 2026

Consultation expiry

23 May 2026

Consultation start

20 April 2026

Consultation end

23 May 2026

Agent address

PO Box 937 Worcester WR4 4GS

Advertisement expiry

23 May 2026

Documents

16