A councillor has been promoted to the ruling executive of a district council in Worcestershire only 15 months after winning a by-election.Conservative Councillor Melanie Baker has become the portfolio holder for Planning & Housing for Malvern Hills District Council - and is vowing to ensure there are enough homes to meet demand in the district while also protecting communities from unsuitable developments.
In May 2013 Mrs Baker overturned a Liberal Democrat majority to win the Chase ward and has now been asked to join the executive by district council Conservative leader David Hughes.
Councillor Baker’s duties will include chairing the vital Planning Committee, which focuses on planning policy issues and can act as arbiter for controversial developments referred to it by the Area Development Management Committees or Planning Officers.
But the 46-year-old business woman will also have a major role in the implementation of the South Worcestershire Development Plan (SWDP) – a combined plan for Wychavon, Worcester and Malvern that has earmarked land for 28,370 new homes across the three districts by 2030. The plan has proved controversial as planning inspector Roger Clews has recommended an increase in the number of new homes that must be provided from the original 23,000.
Councillor Baker said a balance had to be struck between providing much needed new homes and protecting communities within Malvern Hills district.
“Malvern was recently listed the second best place to live in the Midlands, although I happen to think it’s the best in the country,” Councillor Baker said.
“Yet it still remains one of the most expensive places to buy a home. Many residents have expressed concerns that their children and grandchildren have had to move out of the area because they cannot afford to live here. That means families lose their all-important support and day-to-day contact. This also has a serious knock on effect for staffing a skilled workforce for local businesses.
“We have a very important task ahead of us – to implement the SWDP which will both set out the blueprint for planning for the next decade and give the district councils the power to more easily dismiss developments that are inappropriate for the communities we serve.
“In my new role I want to promote appropriate developments that meet the needs of residents, including contributions towards schools, play areas, village halls and other ways of benefiting communities.”
Councillor Baker’s new executive position comes on top of her existing work as a ward councillor.
She added: “I am still absolutely committed 100 per cent to the residents of Chase ward who elected me their local councillor last year. It’s a role I love.
“My new portfolio is also important and I’m honoured that the council leader has put his faith in me. It’s a hugely exciting opportunity to help shape things for the future.”
Councillor Baker takes over the planning and housing portfolio from fellow Conservative Councillor Adam Rea, who has stood down following work commitments but remains fully committed to the work the Conservative administration are doing and will be supporting Cllr Baker.
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