Object

Representation ID: 13080

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Mrs Betty Hughes

Black Country Site Assessment Report
Dudley Appendix A Pages 75-78 (Holbeache SA-0017-DUD)

I object to these proposals as the increase in population would have a serve adverse impact on the following:
1. HEALTH SERVICES. This area already has an insufficient number of GPs: e.g. Moss Grove surgery send patients to Kniver surgery. Waiting times for Russells Hall Hospital and for Ambulance services are already unacceptable and there will be further delays in Mental Health and Social services.
2. ROADS. The A449 is already very busy and noisy and the local road structure is already congested. Extra vehicles will increase noise, cause high CO2 emissions and poorer air quality, cause more bus delays and increase accidents and tailbacks due to the proposed crossing. More drivers will cut through the Maidenbridge Estate and a second access road onto the A449 would slow traffic, forcing drivers to use local village roads.
3. SCHOOLS. For September 2021, the only secondary school with places for year 7 admissions is Wordsley. Most other year groups are full. There are no places for reception pupils in Wall Heath for 2021 and only one school in Kingswinford with places available. Increased numbers will impact on class sizes and keeping legal sizes in KS!. Page 78 refers to 'improving schools' but how will this be achieved without building on playing fields or changing the character of schools.
4. ENVIRONMENT. There will be a loss of green belt and impact on local wildlife. All brownfield sites must be used first, before green belt. Holbeache is grade 2 agricultural land where a range of crops can be grown. The government committed a 25 year plan to protect land of this quality and use the soil in a sustainable ways. The hedgerows all around Holbeache form a site of local importance for nature conservation (SLINC). Building here will mean a loss of wildlife and biodiversity that the wildlife corridor tries to protect due declining numbers. Local people also appreciate the green belt through walks and cycle rides, it must be protected for future generations.
5. HISTORIC. Holbeache House is a Grade II listed building with great historic value, right next to the proposed development. There will be a visual impact on the landscape surrounding it.