Author: FVCA

A consultation on ward boundaries for Bromsgrove has begun

Today is the start of a ten-week public consultation, by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England, inviting proposals for new council wards and ward boundaries for Bromsgrove District Council.

The consultation will close on 2 December 2024.

After the Commission have considered all representations made to them during this consultation, they intend to publish draft recommendations in May 2025.

The Commission will then hold a further period of consultation on their draft recommendations. The final recommendations are expected to be published in November 2025.

The new electoral arrangements will come into effect at the local elections in 2027.

What is an electoral review?

The electoral review will recommend new electoral arrangements for Bromsgrove District Council. They will propose:

the total number of councillors elected to the council in the future;

the number of wards;

the number of councillors representing each ward;

ward boundaries; and

the names of wards.

How to get involved

This is a public consultation and the Commission welcomes views from individuals and organisations across Bromsgrove on where they think new ward boundaries should be drawn.

The Commission are minded to recommend that 31 councillors should be elected to Bromsgrove District Council in the future.

This is no change from the current number of councillors.

The Commission are now inviting proposals to help us draw up a pattern of wards to accommodate 31 councillors.

In drawing up new electoral wards, the Commission must balance three legal criteria, namely:

to deliver electoral equality: where each councillor represents roughly the same number of electors as others across the district;

that the pattern of wards should, as far as possible, reflect the interests and identities of local communities;

that the electoral arrangements should provide for effective and convenient local government.

The Commission will treat all submissions equally, and judge each case on its merits and against the legal criteria.

If you wish to put forward a view, the Commission would also urge you to ensure that evidence supports your submission.

For example, if you wish to argue that two areas should be included in the same electoral ward, make sure you tell the Commission why they should be together, providing evidence about community facilities, ties, organisations, and amenities, rather than simply asserting that they belong together.

There is more advice on the Commission’s website about how you can get involved in the consultation.

The Commission’s website features technical guidance that explains the process and their policies, as well as guidance on how to take part in each part of the process.

They have also set up a webpage dedicated to the review of Bromsgrove, where you can find all the relevant information, access interactive maps of the current ward boundaries, and give your views.

Have Your Say Now

Consultation on planning application ref 23/000045/CM – Chadwich Lane Quarry

Neighbour Re-Consultation on a Planning Application (County Matter)
Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended)

The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017

Submission of Further Information in respect of the Environmental Statement relating to the following planning application

Application Ref: 23/000045/CM Grid Ref: (E) 395715, (N) 276943

Applicant: Salop Sand and Gravel

Proposal: The carrying out of development pursuant to planning permission reference number: 18/000036/CM, dated 25 March 2021 without complying with conditions 4, 5, 7, 26, 28, 29, 30, 33, 34, 41, 50, 55 and 60 of that permission

Location: Land adjacent to former Chadwich Lane Quarry, Chadwich Lane, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire

On 16 November 2023 Salop Sand and Gravel applied to Worcestershire County Council for planning permission for the above proposal. The County Council carried out public consultation on the above application in December 2023.

On 5 September 2024 Salop Sand and Gravel wrote to Worcestershire County Council submitting further information in relation to the Environmental Statement regarding surface water drainage. The County Council are now seeking comments on this further information.

You may inspect electronic copies of the further information, together with the application for planning permission, any accompanying plans, the Environmental Statement Addendum, the Non-Technical Summary Addendum, original Environmental Statement, original Non-Technical Summary and other documents submitted with the application at: Wildwood, Wildwood Drive, Worcester, WR5 2QT, during office hours by prior appointment, or online at: www.worcestershire.gov.uk/eplanning using the above application reference from 18 September 2024 until 21 October 2024.Anyone who wishes to view electronic copies of the above documents at Wildwood is advised to email: DevControlTeam@worcestershire.gov.uk or tel: 01905 845320 to arrange an appointment.

Members of the public may obtain paper copies of the further information at a charge of £10 for paper copies or on USB memory stick for £5, so long as stocks last, from Wildmoor Quarry Site Office, Sandy Lane, Wildmoor, Near Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, B61 0QR, email: liam@keddltd.co.uk. A paper copy of the Environmental Statement Addendum, and Non-Technical Summary Addendum are available from Wildmoor Quarry Site Office at a charge of £5 for paper copies, so long as stocks last. A copy of the original Environmental Statement and original Non-Technical Summary are also available at a charge of £50 for paper copies, or on USB memory stick for £5. A paper copy of the original Non-Technical Summary is available for £5. The original Environmental Statement Regulation 25 Addendums are available for an additional cost of £10 for paper copies or on USB memory stick for £5, so long as stocks last.

Should you wish to comment on the above planning application / further information you should write to the Council, either online using the link above or you can send them to us by email (Email: DevControlTeam@worcestershire.gov.uk) or post using the postal address given in this letter. Please ensure we receive your comments by 21 October 2024 and state whether you would wish to address the Planning & Regulatory Committee if given the opportunity.

Steven Aldridge
Development Management Team Manager
Worcestershire County Council
County Hall, Spetchley Road, Worcester, WR5 2NP

Dog Attack Kills Six Sheep

Early morning on Tuesday 10th September, a Fairfield farmers lost 6 sheep due them being attacked by a dog, the police have been informed. This incident has created unnecessary stress on the farmer, as well as financial loss. The injuries to the sheep are so graphic that we are unable to share the images.

PLEASE keep dogs on a lead when walking through fields with livestock. If your dog is found to have attacked or worried livestock you will be prosecuted. If a farmer sees your dog worrying sheep, they can shoot your dog.

Planning Application – Bluebell Barn, Dordale Road

The following planning application is available to view and comment on. Please use this
link to take you to the home page of Public Access
https://publicaccess.bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk/online-applications/ which is the tool for
viewing applications and making comment electronically.

Click on the link above
Type in the application number and click, this will take you to the summary page of Public
Access.
When at the summary page
To view the documents you will need to click on the tab, then
the .
To make a comment click on the tab,
Fill out your details and make your comment and press submit, this will go straight to the
relevant planning officer and be immediately viewable in the comments tab.
If you have provided an email you can request a confirmation email.

APPLICATION REFERENCE :	24/00848/FUL
APPLICATION TYPE:	Full Application
DATE ACCEPTED:	02.09.2024
LOCATION:	Bluebell Barn, Dordale Road Bournheath Worcestershire DY9 0AJ
PROPOSAL:	Demolition of barns and erection of 2 dwellings along with associated infrastructure.
APPLICANTS NAME:
PARISH COUNCIL:	Belbroughton Parish
WARD:	Belbroughton And Romsley Ward
CASE OFFICER:	Emily Darby
TELEPHONE:	01527 881657
EMAIL	emily.darby@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk

Planning Committee to Determine Pinches Planning Application

PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL AND SUBSEQUENT INFILLING WITH INERT WASTE TO ACHIEVE FULL RESTORATION AT PINCHES (4) QUARRY, WILDMOOR LANE, WILDMOOR

The above application will be considered by the Planning & Regulatory Committee on Tuesday, 24 September. The meeting will commence at 10.00 am and will be held at Wychavon District Council (Civic Centre, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Pershore, Worcestershire, WR10 1PT).

Unfortunately, the Council Chamber at County Hall, Worcester is not available due to issues associated with RAAC and therefore the meeting is being held at Wychavon District Council Civic Centre.

Planning Application – Land at Wood Lane

Click on the link above
Type in the application number and click, this will take you to the summary page of Public
Access.
When at the summary page
To view the documents you will need to click on the tab, then
the .
To make a comment click on the tab,
Fill out your details and make your comment and press submit, this will go straight to the
relevant planning officer and be immediately viewable in the comments tab.
If you have provided an email you can request a confirmation email.

APPLICATION REFERENCE :	24/00804/CUPRIO
APPLICATION TYPE:	COU Prior Approval
DATE ACCEPTED:	08.08.2024
LOCATION:	Land At, Wood Lane Fairfield Worcestershire
PROPOSAL:	Notification for prior approval for the proposed change of use of an agricultural building to one dwellinghouse (Class C3) and associated operational development.
APPLICANTS NAME:
PARISH COUNCIL:	Belbroughton Parish
WARD:	Belbroughton And Romsley Ward
CASE OFFICER:	Catherine Pearce
TELEPHONE:	01527 881670
EMAIL	catherine.pearce@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk

Could you book a table at a pub?

We need some one to take over the booking of tables and gathering of numbers for our monthly Dining Group for next year; January to November.

Each month the Dining Group different eateries, and this monthly activity has grown to become an enjoyable social occasion, which attracts people of all ages.

Currently, the Dining Group meets on a Monday lunchtime, but this is not set in stone, so if inconvenient for you, we could change when the Dining Group meets.

Support will be available, and there will be cover when you are not available.

If you can help, email chair@fvca.org.uk

Planning Application – Glovers Meadow Farm, Wood Lane

Click on the link above
Type in the application number and click, this will take you to the summary page of Public
Access.
When at the summary page
To view the documents you will need to click on the tab, then
the .
To make a comment click on the tab,
Fill out your details and make your comment and press submit, this will go straight to the
relevant planning officer and be immediately viewable in the comments tab.
If you have provided an email you can request a confirmation email.

APPLICATION REFERENCE :	24/00654/FUL
APPLICATION TYPE:	Full Application
DATE ACCEPTED:	10.07.2024
LOCATION:	Glovers Meadow Farm, Wood Lane Fairfield Worcestershire B61 9NE
PROPOSAL:	Single storey rear extension
APPLICANTS NAME:
PARISH COUNCIL:	Belbroughton Parish
WARD:	Belbroughton And Romsley Ward
CASE OFFICER:	David Kelly
TELEPHONE:	01527 881666
EMAIL	david.kelly@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk

Digital Voice Switchover will soon be here!

Please speak to your elderly neighbours about what is going to happen

Landlines going digital: what you need to know

The technology that we currently use to make landline phone calls is due to be upgraded over the next few years. But what does this mean for you as a landline customer?

Landline phone calls have traditionally been delivered over the old telephone network – this is known as the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).

BT has taken the decision to retire the PSTN by December 2025 and other providers plan to follow a broadly similar timescale. This means that in future, landline calls will be delivered over digital technology called Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), which uses a broadband connection.

Why is it happening?

The equipment used in the PSTN was developed and installed in the UK in the 1980s, and is becoming harder and more expensive to maintain. At the same time, telecoms providers are investing in new systems and networks such as full-fibre technology.

So, broadband and phone companies have decided to switch off the old network and deliver landline calls over new digital technology to make sure that our phone services continue into the future.

When is it happening?

Some of this migration to VoIP is already happening for some customers, such as people who have upgraded their home phone and broadband package, or who have moved house. Your landline provider will contact you to let you know when the process to migrate from your old landline to your new telephone service will apply to you.

What do I need to do?

You don’t need to do anything until your provider tells you your telephone service is changing, or until you decide to change your telephone service.

Once a home phone service is moved from PSTN to VoIP, the phone will generally work in the same way as it always has, but it will need to be plugged into a broadband router instead of into the phone socket on your wall. If you need any new equipment – for example, a new router – or if you need a new broadband service installed, your provider should arrange this. It’s important you talk to your provider about how the service will work for you.

This change will affect other devices that rely on a phone line, such as some fire and burglar alarm systems and telecare devices. So, you should mention those devices to your provider and check if these need to be replaced or reconfigured to continue working.

Do I have to have broadband to get the new landline service?

Once the PSTN is switched off, customers who wish to continue having a landline phone, and do not already have broadband, will generally need to have a suitable connection – this is the case even if they don’t use a broadband service. We expect that providers will have a range of options for people in this situation, so customers should not be forced to take out a high-speed broadband package if they do not want to.

Will VoIP phones work in a power cut?

Unlike traditional phones, a phone connected to a broadband router will not work in a power cut, as the router gets its power from the mains.

If you rely on your landline – for example, you don’t have a mobile phone, you’re unable to use a mobile phone or you don’t have mobile signal inside your home – your provider must make sure you are able to contact the emergency services during a power cut. This could be in the form of battery back-up so your landline will continue to work, or giving you a basic mobile phone to use in this situation.

How can I find out more?

If you have any queries or concerns about the migration to VoIP technology, contact your landline or broadband provider. BT will also be holding an information event at Amphlett Hall, Bromsgrove, on Monday 5th August, 12.30pm to 4.00pm, to explain what is happening and to answer any questions you may have.

Planning Application – Bell Service Station

Click on the link above
Type in the application number and click, this will take you to the summary page of Public
Access.
When at the summary page
To view the documents you will need to click on the tab, then
the .
To make a comment click on the tab,
Fill out your details and make your comment and press submit, this will go straight to the
relevant planning officer and be immediately viewable in the comments tab.
If you have provided an email you can request a confirmation email.

APPLICATION REFERENCE :	24/00620/ADV
APPLICATION TYPE:	Application to Display Adverts
DATE ACCEPTED:	17.06.2024
LOCATION:	Bell Service Station, Stourbridge Road Belbroughton Worcestershire DY9 9XU
PROPOSAL:	5m Greggs Totem Pole Sign
APPLICANTS NAME:	–
PARISH COUNCIL:	Belbroughton Parish
WARD:	Belbroughton And Romsley Ward
CASE OFFICER:	Chad Perkins
TELEPHONE:	01527 881257
EMAIL	chad.perkins@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk

What is an electoral review?

How to get involved

Contact