Motion to Request a District Boundary Review

Proposed by: Councillor Tim Schmeising-Barnes

 Date: 28th October 2025
 Council: Stourport-on-Severn Town Council

Motion Title:
Proposal to Request Wyre Forest District Council to initiate a District Boundary Review

Motion Text:

This Council notes:

  • The importance of ensuring that district boundaries reflect the current and future needs of our communities.
  • That recent housing developments and planning decisions have highlighted inconsistencies and pressures arising from the current boundary between Wyre Forest District and Malvern Hills District.
  • That the site known as The Snipes and further developments, such as the Areley Common site and Pearl Lane, have been approved or proposed within Malvern Hills District but rely heavily on infrastructure and services located in Stourport and Wyre Forest.
  • That Malvern Hills District Council has been unable to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, leading to increased development pressure on border areas.
  • That these developments place additional strain on Stourport’s roads, schools, healthcare, and other public services, without corresponding investment or planning control from Wyre Forest District Council.

This Council resolves to:

  • Formally request that Wyre Forest District Council submit an application to the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) to initiate a district boundary review.
  • Recommend that the review specifically consider the areas of Areley Kings, Astley Cross, and Pearl Lane, where development decisions by Malvern Hills District Council directly impact Stourport-on-Severn.
  • Advocate for a boundary that better reflects the functional geography and service usage patterns of the local population.
  • Encourage public consultation and engagement throughout the review process to ensure transparency and community input.