New plan for homes on former golf course

Councillors are set to decide on scaled-down plans to build houses on a former golf course in Worcester.

Tustin Homes wants to build up to nine homes on the old Tolladine golf course, with road access from nearby cul-de-sac Darwin Avenue.

The developer had plans for 28 homes on the same site turned down by Worcester City Council in September, and a previous proposal for 50 homes by Bromford Developments was rejected in 2020.

Planning officers are recommending the latest plans for approval.

The site was last used for gold in 2006 and the area earmarked for news housing borders existing homes in Darwin Avenue, as well Latimer Court Care Home.

Council papers said the proposed access would be via an existing path through Darwin Avenue, but described it as "very narrow and comprised of grass".

They added that there was also a "landscaping buffer" to Latimer Court Care Home, which was secured when that project was approved by planners.

A number of neighbours have objected to the loss of green space should the new development go ahead.

The former golf course is popular with dog walkers.

Residents have also expressed concern about the impact the development would have on highway safety because of the access, as well as the impact on wildlife and the environment.

Trees on the site are subject to a site-wide preservation order.

Tustin Homes said in its application: "Small areas of the former golf course are used for recreation in the form of walking and dog walking.

"This is permitted via the network of public rights of way only but does not permit or allow full access to the former golf course."

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