Object

Representation ID: 10743

Received: 30/08/2021

Respondent: Rachael Harrison

Good morning,

I wish to formally lodge my concerns and objection about the proposed development of the Yeildfield farm land. The development would have significant impact on greenbelt area which is is home to a variety of wildlife including deer who regularly graze in the area. This sort of land is essential to maintain vital eco systems as well delivering on local authorities commitment of access to green space. I add the comments below to the opening paragraphs of the Green Space report which demonstrates the importance of green space. I have also attached a copy of the report.

"Greenspace, such as parks, woodland, fields and allotments as well as natural elements
including green walls, roofs and incidental vegetation, are increasingly being recognised
as an important asset for supporting health and wellbeing. This ‘natural capital’ can help
local authorities address local issues that they face, including improving health and
wellbeing, managing health and social care costs, reducing health inequalities, improving
social cohesion and taking positive action to address climate change.
Evidence shows that living in a greener environment can promote and protect good
health, and aid in recovery from illness and help with managing poor health. People who
have greater exposure to greenspace have a range of more favourable physiological
outcomes. Greener environments are also associated with better mental health and
wellbeing outcomes including reduced levels of depression, anxiety, and fatigue, and
enhanced quality of life for both children and adults. Greenspace can help to bind
communities together, reduce loneliness, and mitigate the negative effects of air
pollution, excessive noise, heat and flooding. Disadvantaged groups appear to gain a
larger health benefit and have reduced socioeconomic-related inequalities in health
when living in greener communities, so greenspace and a greener urban environment
can also be used as an important tool in the drive to build a fairer society"


Moreover, the government have committed to development of brownfield sites before greenbelt. We have seen a great example of this in Goscote where significant housing has been created on a former factory site. This is the sort of development we should be concentrating on and very proud of as a community. The Black Country, the birthplace of industry in the UK, and indeed Staffordshire have significant brownfield sites that should be developed prior to digging up green space such as the proposed Yeildfield farm development.

Moreover, the area does just not have the infrastructure to cope with a development of this size in addition to the development of brownfield site in Goscote. There is 1 petrol station to serve the area, doctors are already at capacity, schools have breached their maximum class sizes, we have 1 Park (George 5th Plating fields), 1 large supermarket and so whilst the majority of this development falls in Staffordshire the impact will mostly be felt by the residents of Walsall. Whilst Staffordshire will benefit from taxes raised from these homes it will be the Walsall tax payer having to provide the services, road repairs, doctors, schools, public transport, additional street cleaning, additional maintenance of parks etc.

Moreover, public transport will just not cope with an increase of this size. Despite electrification of the Chase line and bigger trains the service cannot cope with more people as trains are already full at peak times. Often you can't get on the train as it is full. This will drive people into their cars as public transport will no longer be an option. This is already starting to happen. It would be a significant oversight to not factor in the additional use of the train by such a development and the parking that would need to increase to avoid road parking and congestion at Landywood and Bloxwich North stations. This has an impact on local residents in terms of nuisance, noise and pollution.


Whilst I fully acknowledge the need for more houseing and particularly social housing, I strongly object to the proposed Yeildfield Farm development. Brownfield areas MUST be used before digging up more of our precious countryside and consideration should be given to how this population will be served and the extreme disruption and negative impact for the local population. The Turnberry Estate took significant greenbelt land from the area. Please do not take anymore.

Kindest regards

Rachael Harrison