Dec 2010 - South Worcestershire Development Plan

SOUTH WORCESTERSHIRE ANNUAL MONITORING REPORT 2010233.4 Worcester is one of England’s first settlements to gain city status byroyal charter, in 1189, and is the principal urban area ofWorcestershire. It is rich in archaeological and heritage sites;archaeological finds have proved that Worcester was involved in manydifferent battles, including important Civil War conflicts; and is theprimary administrative and employment centre in the county.Geographically, it is located approximately 120 miles (193 km) northwest of London and 27 miles (43km) south west of Birmingham in theWest Midlands. The City covers an area of approximately 13 squaremiles, varying between urban, residential and green spaces. The RiverSevern passes through the centre of the city. Tourism attractionsinclude the Royal Porcelain Museum, Commandary, WorcesterCathedral, The Racecourse and the Cricket Ground.3.5 Many tourists come to visit the famous Malvern Hills, which are adesignated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The entireNorth West of the Malvern Hills District is a designated Area of GreatLandscape Value, centred mainly around the River Teme. The MalvernHills District is also home to the River Severn, which flows throughUpton-Upon-Severn’s Marina. This is a very popular place for peoplevisiting the area to moor their boats (Malvern Hills District Local Plan).The District of Wychavon is also steeped in history. It is home toDroitwich Spa, which is renowned for its extraction of salt from anunderground lake. Similarly to Malvern, during the Water Cure period,the Victorians saw the advantages of the high salt content in the waterand so bathed in brine baths to cleanse the body. Pershore Abbey isalso a very popular tourist attraction.3.6 South Worcestershire has a diverse range of historic and cultural siteslocated in its urban and rural landscapes. These range from:• Areas of special architectural or historic interest, where thecharacter is deemed desirable to preserve or enhance;