Comment

Representation ID: 16286

Received: 30/09/2021

Respondent: Ms Dorothy Bennett

My email concerns ref WOH274 WTNA WEC Smestow Valley in the Black Country plan. As a local
resident and frequent visitor to this area, I do not feel it is at all appropriate to use this area for
housing. The area is an integral part of the Smestow Valley nature reserve and provides a wonderful
green space and nature corridor, along with the canal and old railway walk. It is used by many local
residents as a place to get out into nature, and has been discovered by many more residents since
lockdown. It is a well known fact that being able to walk in green spaces is beneficial for mental
health, and this is particularly important for many people at the current me. The area is also a
wonderful mixed habitat for wildlife, including shallow wetlands ( surely not ideal for a housing site?)
and it would be very sad if this habitat was lost . The diverse wildlife on and around the site includes
many types of bird, five varieties of [Redacted-sensitive information] many types of insect and some beautiful trees and
wild flowers.
I appreciate that new housing is important, but as this would only be a small development I am sure
there are more suitable, preferably brownfield sites available.
I know my concerns are shared by many local residents and if the housing plan does go ahead it will
affect far more people than the potential number of residents for such houses.
Please save our precious green space for the future.