Object

Representation ID: 13720

Received: 26/09/2021

Respondent: Mrs Dawn Dallaway

Page 666, Appendix A4 - Alteration to nature conservation designations in Dudley. Minor reduction to the existing boundaries of the following designated SLINC: Moden Hill East

I strongly object to any plans to remove Moden Hill East greenbelt status. This land is a designated Site of Local importance to Nature Conservation (SLINC) within a Landscape Heritage Area and designated Wildlife Consultation Area. The Black Country Core Strategy limits development on these kind of sites (ENV1 Nature conservation and ENV2 Historic character and local distinctiveness) for many good reasons.

With more and more households in Sedgley choosing to concrete over their gardens and replace lawns with artificial grass, protecting green spaces like Moden Hill East is vital to maintaining biodiversity, which local and national government claim to be committed to.

Moden Hill East is [text redacted]. We also regularly see bats around Catholic Lane. I don't know what type they are, but all 18 UK species are protected. Even if these bats don't live on the site in question, it provides a vital habitat for the insects that they prey on.

Moden Hill East is also an important recreational space for local people with public rights of way allowing families to enjoy the countryside without having to drive to get there.

Building 24 executive homes will have no real benefits in terms of providing affordable housing and it will add to congestion on Sedgley's roads and place even greater on local services.

Finally, removing Moden Hill Easts greenbelt status goes against the Black Country Core Strategy, which absolutely limits developments on ENV1 and ENV2 sites and against local biodiversity plans that are in place to safeguard nature conservation.