Object

Representation ID: 13667

Received: 28/10/2021

Respondent: Mrs Lauren Sayer

I am writing to lodge my strong objection to the proposed plans within the Black Country plan in relation to site REF WAH242 (policy WSA7)

Firstly, I wish to complain at the approach that has been taken to sharing this plan which has not been widely publicised, nor is it easily accessible for local residents to access or provide comment on. Simply having this on the website without writing to local residents, many of whom may not have internet access, is unacceptable.

In relation to the plans for the above mentioned site in particular, I am appalled at the disregard for the critical importance of this green belt site, which provides home to a huge abundance of wildlife and ecological biodiversity in the Arboretum wildlife corridor. In an urbanised
environment such as Walsall, the surrounding green spaces provide such an important role for local
residents, and the development of this site will cause damage for generations to come.

The assessment criteria outlined have clearly not been followed, this site has already been identified as high risk and according to the methodology should be considered unsuitable. We request than an urgent review of the suitability of this site is conducted, and the site is immediately removed from the plans. An environmental survey has not yet even been conducted, despite the
plethora of biodiversity and protected and rare species which reside on this land.

The Walsall town centre area would benefit hugely from redevelopment with suitable housing to meet the needs of the area. Destroying precious green belt sites such as this with vast numbers of houses does nothing to improve the Walsall locality, nor solve any of the existing problems with infrastructure, a declining natural environment, pollution, anti social behaviour and lack of suitable amenities. It will only worsen the problem and cause damage to the environment which cannot be mitigated against.

We request that this site is immediately removed from the Black Country plan on the grounds of it being entirely unsuitable, and the unacceptable ecological damage that would result. There can be no justification for releasing this piece of green belt land when there are sufficient brownfield sites in the area, which would indeed enhance the local area.