Object

Representation ID: 13721

Received: 27/09/2021

Respondent: Mr John Carter

My first objection is in regard to the ratio of land to be developed at Streetly to that in Pelsall and the number of homes to be built at these sites:
Streetly 42 hectares with 960 homes
Pelsall 13 hectares with 580 homes
Surely the Pelsall site is less than a third the size of the Streetly site and should therefore have the equivalent number of around 290 homes and not double that figure i.e. the 580 allocated
I can only conclude that these new dwellings planned at the Pelsall site will be designed as more densely populated accommodation and advertised as waterfront properties which face onto the canal.
My second objection is that a new Yorks Bridge at Pelsall has been proposed for many years now as the current bridge is narrow, has blind approaches on both sides and was closed when a [Redacted] car driver struck the parapet wall recently, demolishing part of the bridge. I imagine that the majority of residents will welcome the installation of a canal crossing which is safe to use, conveniently sited for the new development and fit for purpose in the 21st century. However, unless a weight restriction is applied to the new bridge, HGV drivers will take advantage of the shortcut from the A5 to Walsall M5/M6 junctions avoiding Brownhills and Bloxwich thus increasing heavy goods traffic through Pelsall village. We have been given no assurances that any such restrictions will be implemented.
if 580 new homes are built here in Pelsall, what plans are in place to meet the educational needs for primary and junior age school children for example? The three existing schools would not be able to cope with an influx of over 1000 children potentially. In fact the existing schools have struggled to cater for those requiring places in recent years. Temporary, prefabricated wooden buildings have gradually been replaced by brick built extensions to Ryders Hayes School but this has not increased capacity significantly. The much older facility in Old Town lane has seen the replacement of the original roof but no new provision has been proposed for future expansion to my knowledge
The amenities at Saint Michael's school have been improved recently but the site does not allow further buildings to be accommodated to enable more pupils to be enrolled and educated at the establishment.
Finally I would add that new housing would be welcome in my view of a plan for long term development around Pelsall were communicated clearly enabling residents to engage in discussions to benefit everyone.
I look forward to being contacted about the Local Plan in due course