Object

Representation ID: 13287

Received: 28/09/2021

Respondent: Mrs Kathleen Brown

I protest strongly against the proposed development at Calderfields the site is valuable agricultural land which is currently grazed by cows and sheep (photos available) the booklet of the draft plan states our population and the number of households is growing so the increased population will need food and more agricultural land to produce it.

COVID-19 has proved that green spaces are vital to mental health if building on green belt continues there will be urban sprawl from Birmingham to Wolverhampton

Drainage has always been a problem on the Calderfields site before the development of the Golf Club there was a stream now disappeared in the field bordering Aldridge Rd covering fields with a housing sex will exacerbate the problem which was quoted by Walsall council as long ago as 1972. With climate change the problem has intensified. Run off water after heavy rainfall flows down towards the Arboretum where there are drainage channels in the Arboretum extension. Run-off will increase with the development and could pollute the Arboretum stream spoiling an extremely popular facility

There is a mature hedge in the field at right angles to 52 Argyle Road which is not on the plan it is a valuable roost and nesting site for birds at least 20 different species are using the field and hedge. Since the conversion of the farm barns, [Redacted-sensitive information] have been lost, despite a [Redacted-sensitive information] protection order. Further development would mean the loss of more wildlife

There is no need for a primary school or health centre on the site as there are adequate facilities nearby which have been used by local residents for many years. The development will have a detrimental effect on traffic congestion which is already severe in the town particularly at the junction of Mellish Road/ Lichfield Street/ Lichfield Road. Buchanan Avenue is already daily congested with parked cars.

West Midlands Mayor and civic leaders promised to protect the Green Belt I feel betrayed. Please see attached sheet for suggestions for alternative different sites.


ALTERNATIVE DEVELOPMENT SITES
1. Ground around 'Holiday Inn' by M6, Junction 10. Already has primary and secondary schools nearby. Close to Manor Hospital and a medical centre on Wolverhampton Road.
2. Derelict ex-antique shop in Freer Street.
3. Old Square shopping centre, including vacated Debenhams building.
4. Quasar shopping centre.
5. Ex-post office in Darwall Street.
6. Building next to 130A, Lichfield Street which has been unoccupied for years.
7. Empty pub at corner of Freer Street and Lichfield Street.
8. Problem burnt-out factory near Marsh Street.
9. Derelict factory next to Tesco petrol station on Littleton Street. (Walkways)
10. Site of demolished chapel at junction of Lichfield Road & Butts Road.
11. Close job centre in Lichfield Street and convert to flats.
12. Site of demolished police station on Green Lane.
13. Site of Lex garage near junction of Wolverhampton Street and Pleck Road.
14. King's Arms on Bloxwich High Street.
15. Old Bush pub on Walsall Road, Pelsall.
If properties are listed, reasonable help should be given for sympathetic conversion before the properties become the victims of arsonists.