Residents Urged to Have Their Say as Bannut Hill Housing Appeal Hearing Confirmed

Residents opposed to the proposed 99-home development at Bannut Hill are being encouraged to submit their comments ahead of a Government Planning Inspector hearing later this year.

The appeal hearing has been scheduled for Tuesday 8 September 2026 and relates to the proposed development on land at Napleton Lane, Kempsey (Planning Application M/25/00323/OUT), which would involve the demolition of 45 Bannut Hill and the construction of 99 new homes.

Local campaigner and Worcestershire County Councillor Martin Allen has thanked residents who have continued to object to the proposal following its refusal by Malvern Hills District Council.

In a statement, Cllr Allen said:

“Can I please thank everyone who has carried on objecting to this dreadful planning application. Kempsey is big enough.”

He also thanked District Councillor David Harrison for his assistance in preparing guidance for residents wishing to comment on the appeal.

How to submit comments

Residents wishing to comment on the appeal can do so via the Government’s Planning Inspectorate website using appeal reference 6008572.

Cllr Allen has reminded residents that the appeal reference should be typed manually, rather than copied and pasted, when searching for the appeal.

Main concerns raised by objectors

The guidance circulated by Cllr Allen highlights a number of concerns that residents may wish to consider when making their own representations, including:

• The South Worcestershire Development Plan Review has now been approved and a five-year housing land supply is said to exist.
• Additional pressure on village infrastructure, including primary school capacity.
• Increased traffic and highway safety concerns on Bannut Hill and Napleton Lane.
• The impact on the character of the countryside and the setting of Kempsey.
• Loss of Grade 2 agricultural land.
• Concerns over local healthcare and dental provision.
• Limited public transport serving the village.
• The site’s location outside the current settlement boundary.

Residents are encouraged to submit comments in their own words, as the Planning Inspector will consider individual representations received before making a decision on the appeal.

The outcome of the appeal will determine whether planning permission is granted despite the original refusal by Malvern Hills District Council.

A message from Martin Allen

Alongside the guidance, Cllr Allen added:

“Can I please personally thank Cllr David Harrison for all of his assistance in the production of this document. Warmest regards and keep fighting.”

Kempsey.co.uk will continue to follow the appeal process and provide updates as they become available.