Page 6 - RNT-C03

The HISTORY of REDDITCH New Town

Ten months later, the Ministry of Housing and Local Government published the Inspector's
Report and the Minister's conclusions on 6 June 1968. These included

● Following representations from various local authorities the Development Corporation would
seek to accelerate its programme between 1971-75, and endeavour to provide a further 4,000
houses within the scope of the Master Plan.

● The Minister accepted recommendation to reduce the industrial land allocation to the west
of Mappleborough Green and consideration should be given to an alternative site for the
proposed light industrial area at Walkwood.

● Minister asked the Corporation to seek to reduce the overall allocation of open space with
some saving in playing areas by dual use of school facilities although agreeing that planning
the area along the River Arrow as a major recreational and sporting area with golfing,
boating, and fishing opportunities were correct.

● He noted the several objections to Road proposals but agreed with the Inspector's view that
the Master Plan correctly assessed the necessary standard, routes and planning of the Primary
Road system. expecting the main Primary Road intersection proposals to incorporate tree
planting and landscaping.

● He agreed to no amendment of
proposals on the Public Transport
Route but agreed plans needed to
consider cyclists making long
journeys across the town.

● Green Belt proposals must await a
further study on the long term pattern
of development in and around the
conurbation.

● He urged the need for flexibility in
the development of Redditch within
the framework of Section 6(1) of the
New Towns Act 1965.

The publication of the Master Plan
removed most of the uncertainty
which had inhibited proposals for
development, and gave impetus to
decision making among the many
organisations involved. Expansion
could now begin and Redditch would
never be the same again!

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