Land off Cofton Lake Road
Cofton Hackett
The Site
The proposed site comprises approximately 2.68 hectares of grassland fields, multiple structures, and patches of hardstanding, located just south of Cofton Hackett. The site is bordered by Cofton Lake to the north, and arable farmland to the south and east, with existing residential development immediately west of the Site.
Cofton Hackett is served by a village hall, various restaurants, a vets and pet store, barbershop, and local pubs. Further services are located in nearby settlements, including two GP surgeries and two supermarkets in Rubery and various schools in Rednal and other nearby settlements.
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The Site is well-served by a range of public transport, with the nearest bus stops within approximately 600m walking distance from the Site. These bus routes provide connections to neighbouring settlements of Barnt Green and Bromsgrove, as well as settlements further away such as Droitwich. There are also school bus services for outbound and inbound routes to numerous primary and secondary schools in the local area. Barnt Green Train Station is approximately 2.4km south of the Site, accessible by bus, cycle, walking, or car. Barnt Green provides regular services into Bromsgrove, Birmingham, and Redditch.
Site Location Plan
Click image to enlarge
Planning Policy
The current plan for the District was adopted in January 2017. Policy BDP3 Future Housing and Employment Growth establishes a need for more housing growth in the District. The site is also currently designated as Green Belt in the adopted – but out-of-date – Development Plan.
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However, the Government is clear on the critical need to boost the supply of homes nationally and has recently revised the National Planning Policy Framework (2024) to increase the need for housing in Bromsgrove and include provisions for homes where development is acceptable in the Green Belt.
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In particular, the revised NPPF introduced ‘Grey Belt’, which is land within the Green Belt considered to not strongly contribute towards three of the purposes of the Green Belt, in areas sustainably located and where there is a demonstrable need for housing.
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In light of the delays to Bromsgrove Council’s Local Plan Review, and the acute need for housing within the District, it is considered that the Land off Cofton Lake Road can be classified as ‘Grey Belt’ land in a sustainable location. It is therefore not inappropriate development within the Green Belt and is acceptable in principle.