Bromford named as partner for Wychbold scheme

Richborough and social housing group Bromford will press ahead with plans to build 128 homes in Worcestershire, after inspectors overturned a planning refusal for a 17-acre site near Droitwich.

Work is now set to begin on 128 affordable homes at the Crown Lane site, after land promoter Richborough confirmed Bromford as its development partner this week.

Planners at Wychavon District Council went against the recommendation of their planning officers to refuse the scheme in March last year, describing the scale of development as “unacceptable and incongruous”, and citing a lack of active travel options as reasons for refusal.

However, the authority dropped its second objection when the scheme went to appeal – and the Planning Inspectorate overturned the council’s decision at the end of 2025.

Working with external planning consultants RPS, Richborough says it successfully demonstrated that the proposals represent a “sensitively planned edge-of-village extension”, consistent with local character and capable of meeting identified housing need as part of the South Worcestershire Development Plan, which remains under review.

“This scheme has been shaped to respond to local character, landscape setting and community need, and we’re pleased to see it progressing with a partner committed to high-quality affordable provision. We look forward to seeing the next stage of design come forward,” said Hannah Deverell, disposals director at Richborough.

Of the 128 homes planned, 95 will be for social rent and allocated to families on the local council waiting list. The remaining 33 homes will be available through shared ownership, offering a more affordable route into home ownership.

Lyndon Parkes, Bromford’s Head of Land & New Business, said: “We’re pleased to be bringing our brand of high-quality, affordable homes to Wychbold.

“It’s an area in great need of affordable, secure, long-term housing options and it’s a huge privilege to be able to deliver that.”

Matthew Barker, Partner at Fisher German, added: “This proposal represents a logical and well-considered village extension, and we’re pleased to have helped unlock its potential for much-needed affordable homes to this area.”