Object

Representation ID: 14586

Received: 30/09/2021

Respondent: Jo Lester

(Walsall)
As a member of the Tree Warden Network and a volunteer in Walsall Arboretum I must register my utmost concern regarding these proposals. Walsall is fortunate in retaining areas of Green Belt which act as the "lungs" of the borough. Despite this the amount of tree canopy cover remains low. A recent survey conducted by the Tree Council identified areas of concern especially parts of Streetly/Pheasey which registers the second lowest coverage in the borough - yet this area is proposed for some of the largest numbers of buildings within the plan.
Equally concerning is the impact upon the environment and ecology of such sensitive areas as the Arboretum - a site of important nature conservation (SINC). A recent proposal for building development in Calderfields was rejected on these grounds.
The establishment of the Country Park has increased the ecological value of this area. An on-going survey of flora and fauna is producing results that should be cause for celebration not for threats of destruction!
The West Midlands Major has been very vocal in his concern for the preservation of the Green Belt and the need for re-development on Brownfield sites. It is hoped that Walsall's decision makes share these views!