Planned demolition of Stourport Select & Save supported

The planning application, submitted to Wyre Forest District Council on Thursday, July 16, proposes the demolition of existing ground floor retail units, including the Select & Save convenience store, and first and second floor flats, and garage blocks at 6 Queens Road in Stourport.

The proposed demolition would make way for 18 affordable homes with a mix of one-bedroom flats and two, three, and four-bedroom houses.

The proposals have been met with opposition from residents, who say that the closure of the Select & Save store will have a 'detrimental' effect and take away the 'heart of the community.'

At the time of writing, more than 70 comments have been made on the planning application by members of the public who are opposing the plans.

Despite the opposition to the proposal, the plans have been supported by one resident who says that many objections focus on 'nostalgia' for the existing shop and that this should not 'outweigh the wider public benefits of regeneration, improved housing, and updated retail provision.'

Mrs Kay Howel said: "I wish to support the proposed redevelopment on Queens Road.

"The existing buildings and retail units are outdated and no longer meet modern standards for safety, accessibility, or long-term community use.

"Redevelopment will provide much-needed new homes in Stourport, helping address local housing demand and improving the overall quality of accommodation in the area.

"The proposal also includes new retail units near the park, ensuring that local access to shops and services is maintained.

"This means the community will continue to have convenient amenities while benefiting from improved facilities in a more suitable location.

"It is also clear that a significant portion of the opposition is being driven by commercial self-interest rather than genuine planning concerns.

"A business preferring not to relocate or pay higher commercial rent is a private financial matter, not a material planning consideration.

"Planning decisions must be based on community benefit, modern infrastructure, and long-term sustainability - not on whether one retailer wishes to remain in its current premises.

"Many objections focus on nostalgia for the existing shop, but this should not outweigh the wider public benefits of regeneration, improved housing, and updated retail provision.

"The current buildings are no longer fit for purpose, and redevelopment offers a positive opportunity to improve the neighbourhood for residents and future generations.

"For these reasons, I support the application and believe it will contribute to a safer, more modern, and more sustainable local environment."

To view the planning application, search 26/0571/FUL in Wyre Forest District Council's planning portal.