Comment

Representation ID: 12651

Received: 04/10/2021

Respondent: Miss Sarah Tullo

Please accept this email as a formal objection to the proposed development of Reedswood Town Park open space, former Reedswood Golf Course, Pouk Hill green public open space, and the public open space located north of Churchill Road & the Jane Lane School.

The proposed development will eliminate much needed and enjoyed open spaces in the area, which are vital to the environment and people’s mental health and physical wellbeing. They allow residents to reconnect with the natural environment close to home and help escape the stresses of urban life. Both Reedswood Park & Pouk Hill were areas of critical importance during the lock-down restrictions and continue to provide residents with external spaces for leisure and nature walks. Whilst walking on the Pouk Hill open space I have enjoyed seeing [Redacted-sensitive information] for the first in my life, and feel strongly that we should be protecting these species for future generations to see, not threaten them by removing their habitat.

The proposed sites, especially Pouk Hill and the public open space north of Churchill Road/Jane Lane School should be removed from any future development proposals, as these spaces offer a vital noise & ‘green lung’ barrier to residents living so close to the much congested and polluting, M6 motorway. Even Walsall Councils own ADMS-Urban Air Quality Model (copies attached) show how these areas already exceed the acceptable levels of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂) therefore I strongly encourage the saving of these sites and call for fir trees & shrubs be planted to further help improve the air quality and reduce noise levels.

I find it shocking that in a time where we are being encouraged to do all we can to combat climate change, and to be mindful of our metal health, it seems ludicrous to be tearing down these open spaces for development.

As our local area is already highly built-up meaning these spaces are all the more cherished, and whilst we do understand the need for more housing, building in already densely populated and built-up areas, is just irresponsible. Residents in these areas lack green and open spaces more than other parts of the Walsall borough, therefore, I’d suggest Dudley & Walsall Council look at alternative sites where, the impact of green/open space losses would be far less detrimental to the environment and its residents.

Lastly, I am disappointed that this wasn't brought to the local resident's attention and that we only found out last week what is being proposed and have such a short time in which to oppose these plans.