Have your say on infrastructure plans for Wychavon Town.
Residents are being invited to have their say on proposals for the key transport infrastructure that will shape how people move around Wychavon Town.
An online consultation on the roads, walking network, cycling routes, rail crossings and public transport links to support the 10,000-home new town around Worcestershire Parkway runs from Monday 22 June until 10 July.
Engagement events are also being held between 2pm and 7pm on Wednesday, 1st July, at Norton Parish Hall and at Stoulton Village Hall date TBC. Those who attend will be able to learn more about what’s planned and speak to experts from Arcadis who designed the proposals, as well as Wychavon’s planning team.
The proposals aim to create a community where walking, cycling and public transport are realistic options for everyday journeys. Neighbourhoods will be designed to be safe and easy to get around, with good links to the railway station, town centre and key local services.
Feedback from the consultation will be used to refine designs ahead of the submission of an Infrastructure Planning Application later this year.
Once approved, it will help ensure Wychavon Town remains infrastructure-led, meaning the roads, schools, shops, community buildings and other facilities needed to support new housing are delivered alongside it, not years later. It will also strengthen funding bids to help pay for major infrastructure.
The consultation link and proposals will be available from Monday 22 June at www.wychavontown.co.uk.
Cllr Emma Kearsey, Wychavon’s Executive Board Member for Planning, Infrastructure and Urban Design, said: “Too often people feel housing is built without the infrastructure needed to support it. We have been clear from day one we want Wychavon Town to be an infrastructure first development, with roads, transport links, schools and community facilities considered from the outset.
“This consultation gives people an opportunity to influence those plans before an application is submitted, so I would encourage anyone interested in the future of Wychavon Town to take a look at the proposals and get involved.”
Pictured: A network of walking and cycling routes will be a key part of helping people move around Wychavon Town.
Flying the flag for the Armed Forces
Wychavon marked Armed Forces Day with a moving flag‑raising ceremony at the Civic Centre in Pershore, bringing together representatives from the Armed Forces community, local organisations, councillors and staff.
The event was led by Cllr Gregory Wilkins, Chairman of Wychavon District Council, who welcomed guests before the parade made its way to the flagpole accompanied by Standards from the Royal British Legion and local service associations.
In his address, Cllr Wilkins paid tribute to the dedication and sacrifice of the Armed Forces community. He said: “Today is about honouring those who serve, those who have served, and the families who support them. Their dedication, whether on operations overseas or here at home, keeps us safe and strengthens our communities. As we raise the flag, we do so with deep gratitude for all they give.”
Reverend Laura Handy, the Chairman’s Chaplain, led prayers before the Royal British Legion delivered the traditional Binyon Lines. A two‑minute silence was observed, marked by The Last Post and Reveille performed by bugler Stephen Lane.
The Kohima Epitaph was then read, followed by a declaration from Mr Nicholas Wentworth‑Stanley, Deputy Lieutenant of Worcestershire, speaking on behalf of the Lord Lieutenant.
Cllr Wilkins concluded the ceremony by raising the Armed Forces Day flag, which will fly above the Civic Centre throughout the week as a visible sign of Wychavon’s support for the Armed Forces community.
Wychavon District Council is a proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant and works with partners across Worcestershire to ensure that serving personnel, veterans and their families are treated fairly and supported within the community.
Wychavon District Council has pledged its commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, ensuring that service personnel, veterans, and their families are treated fairly and with respect. This includes offering unique training opportunities for veterans and collaborating with partners to provide support in areas such as housing and employment. The council also acknowledges and publicises its commitment through various channels and actively seeks feedback on its support efforts.
Pictured (left to right): Rev Laura Handy; Lt Col (Rtd) Mark Jackson OBE; Cllr Gregory Wilkins; Mick Leeming; Mr Nicholas Wentworth‑Stanley DL; [Name to be confirmed]; [Name to be confirmed]; Simon Dudfield; Stephen Lane.