Object

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 11146

Received: 07/09/2021

Respondent: Mr Malcolm Chilton

Representation Summary:

The proposal is to reallocate this greenfield site to housing for the construction of 530 new homes. 7
This is a much loved site on the fringe of the Borough that has been used by local residents for excersise
and fresh air for many years. Other greenfield sites in nearby South Staffordshire are available but are too far
for many residents to walk and would necessitate a car journey. This is the last open space in Kingswinford
that has not been given over to housing development in recent years and is highly valued by residents as a
result.
Kingswinford is poorly served by public transport having no rail or Metro connections. As a result the motor
car is the usual mode of transport for getting to work. It is likely that most of the occupants of any new
dwellings built on the site will also primarily use their cars for work, shopping and entertainment. The main
junction at the Cross in Kingswinford is already very congested during peak times and this proposed
development will, without doubt, add to the congestion. I do not believe it is possible to improve the junction
due to the closeness of existing buildings.
Schools and health centres are already under pressure in the area. it is all but impossible to get a GP
appointment in Kingswinford and this development will further worsen the situation.
Most importantly we should protect our beloved greenfield sites because they put the natural world within
easy reach for residents. The nature conservation mitigation proposed in the plan is to add a few bird/bat
boxes. this is almost pathetic and shows a real misunderstanding on the behalf of the planners of the value
local residents place on this triangle of greenfield land.