Dec 2010 - South Worcestershire Development Plan

SOUTH WORCESTERSHIRE ANNUAL MONITORING REPORT 2010677.19 As the figure 11 demonstrates, on average, house prices are higher inthe more rural districts such as Wychavon and the Malvern HillsDistrict, than in the city centre of Worcester. This may be becausepeople want or need larger, or more attractively placed properties, thanthat offered in Worcester City. The graph also shows how the recessionaffected house prices. In all three authorities, prices decreased, by asmuch as 8.4% in the Malvern Hills area between 2007 and 2008.Wychavon experienced an increase of 2.2% in this period, but between2008 and 2009, prices fell by 8.7% (WCEA 2008/09 and 2009/10).Plan Period Housing Targets (COI, H3)7.20 At 1 April 2010 the WMRSS was still an active Development Plan ineach of the three South Worcestershire’s LDFs. Data presented in thischapter is a retrospective view of housing data during 2009/10 againsthousing targets found in the adopted and emerging WMRSS.7.21 The revocation of the WMRSS will leave a substantial policy gap. Atthe time of publication issues such as future housing needs are beingreconsidered. It is expected the 2011 South Worcestershire AMR willprovide more insight.7.22 Increasing the accessibility of housing in South Worcestershire andimproving the quality of new and existing housing are key objectives ofthe adopted local plans, the soon to be revoked WMRSS and theemerging SWDP to meet the needs both of existing communities andincoming households. The once emerging phase two WMRSS set outthe overall housing target for South Worcestershire at 24,500 net newdwellings for the plan period 2006 to 2026. The phase two WMRSSalso sought an adequate proportion to be affordable housing as well asaddressing the needs of gypsies and travellers. Indicators for thesepolicies relating to the supply of housing are discussed below; whilstthe design quality of new housing is discussed in section 8 onEnvironmental Quality.