Object

Representation ID: 17196

Received: 01/10/2021

Respondent: Mr & Mrs David Roberts

Number of people: 2

Section 2: Representation and Comments on draft proposals (continued):
Objections raised regarding development of land for housing on Stonnall Road/ Birch Lane,
Aldridge, Green Belt land as this contravenes National Planning Policy.

1.0
Introduction:
1.1 Aldridge is a town and former civil parish in the Walsall borough, West Midlands, England. It is
historically a village that was part of Staffordshire until 1974. It is 3 miles (4.8 km) from Brownhills, 5
miles (8 km) north east of Walsall, 6 miles (9. 7 km) from Sutton Coldfield and 7 miles (11 km) from
Lichfield.
1.2 Whilst it is appreciated National planning policy allows councils to remove land from the Green Belt
when they are preparing new Local Plans -- provided they can show that there are "exceptional
circumstances" for doing so.
1.3 Being a long standard resident of Walsall for over 50 years, we challenge that while a shortage of
new homes can be considered, the Black Country/ Council have not demonstrate that exceptional
circumstances have been applied given the following development hierarchy:
• they've used as much brownfield land as possible;
• have optimised the density of development; and,
• have considered whether neighbouring councils can help meet their housing need.
1.4 Government's legislation to transform our environment has returned to Parliament through the
Environment Bill, with a commitment to clean up the country's air, tackle the climate change
emergency, restore natural habitats and increase biodiversity. The Bill also outlining how the
government will reduce waste, make better use of resources, and improve management of water
resources in a changing climate.
1.5 The Bill will crack down on water companies that discharge sewage into rivers and will include a
world-leading legally-binding species target for 2030, aiming to halt the decline of nature and to
protect beloved British animals, such as red squirrels and hedgehogs.
1.6 As we build back greener from the pandemic, it is vital that we address the twin challenges of
climate change and biodiversity loss and protect and improve the environment for future
generations.
1. 7 The Environment Bill is described as the delivery of the most ambitious environmental programme
of any country on earth, which is why it is essential that we complete its passage into law as soon
as possible and as such protect our boroughs from over development. With hard infrastructure and
removing valuable green belt which acts as a nature defence against flooding and poor air quality.
To consider such land for development contravenes the very core of these values and jeopardises
our future generations.
1.8 When do we reflect and say STOP, enough is enough. When do we take stock of land that is
already used, but of poor quality and value that can be redeveloped as opposed to virgin resources
of land stock. Climate change issues are very real and an imminent risk as, it is well documented
on the news with more and more climate disasters, yet as planners, this emergency needs
addressing in more creative and sustainable solutions. Town centres are becoming tired, yet with a
wealth of potential for development to bring town centre living together with retail and the hospitality
sectors. I challenge that insufficient emphasis is being, placed on new ways of thinking, as opposed
to traditional easy option plans, because those easy options are diminishing and time for change is
now.
2.0 Stonnall Road:
Wildlife and biodiversity
2.1
The land on Stonnall Road is a valued asset to the local community for passive recreation, dog
walkers, horse riders etc.
It boast a wealth of wildlife, many species protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981,
2.2
making it illegal to damage or destroy their nesting grounds. On the land in question is a mini eco­svstem of its own. The wooded area to the right of Richmond Hall has [REDACTED-SENSITIVE INFORMATION] who frequent the area and surrounding fields as a hunting ground [REDACTED- SENSITIVE INFORMATION] an range of tree
species including oaks, birch, beech, chestnut and sycamore. The woodland floor is carpeted with
snowdrops and bluebells in the spring. The bluebell is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside
Act (1981). This means digging up the plant or bulb in the countryside is prohibited and landowners are prohibited from removing bluebells from their land to sell.
[REDACTED- SENSITIVE INFORMATION] ave been a protected species for quite some time, under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and the Conservation Regulations 1994. Under these acts, it is a criminal offence to: Intentionally capture, injure or kill [REDACTED-SENSITIVE INFORMATION]
Disturb [REDACTED-SENSITIVE INFORMATION] deliberately disturb a group of [REDACTED-SENSITIVE INFORMATION]
Yet approving such a development would wipe this mini oasis out overnight, destroying habitat, nesting grounds, hedgerows, etc. all in the name of progress.

Overview of dense woodland, wildlife habitat with [REDACTED- SENSITIVE INFORMATION] trees, beech, birch, holly, snowdrops that would be destroyed with proposed
development. Alternate and more suitable
brownfield sites need to be identified as
alternatives to save this mini eco-system within
the urban environment.
This development contravenes National Policy,
local policy, the climate agenda and should not be
endorsed.

2.3
The parcel of the land opposite Malvern Drive, Aldridge is owned by [REDACTED-GDPR]. In speaking with their planning department at their [REDACTED- GDPR] offices [REDACTED-GDPR] they unashamedly admit that this is purely a commercial venture to raise funds. They are fully aware of the plans, and clearly have no interest in the impact on the local community or borough of Walsall.

2.4
Walsall council approved its urban forestry strategy at Cabinet in February 2017, setting a clear
direction in improving tree canopy across the borough, tackling localised flooding with trees,
hedgerows, and green space providing natural flood defences. Yet developing on our Green Belt
and removing historic woodland for housing development, contradicts its strategy and manifesto
pledges. More hard standing with roads, footpaths, driveways, and despite developments
incorporating green space, how many residents have traditional front gardens, or how many are
being turned into car parks to serve our materialistic desires and modern lifestyle needs.
2.5 Hedgerows along the lane have previously been designated as 'Local Importance for Nature
Conservation' in association with The Countryside Agency, in previous council plans and
countryside area profiles (CAP's) for land east of Aldridge (as per attached).

3.0 Traffic problems and highway infrastructure (Birch Lane)
3.1
Birch lane is a beautiful narrow country land, with no designated footpath, bordered by raised
verges and historic farm hedgerows and trees, winding through the landscape. There is no street
lighting along the road and it is designated as a 30mph speed limit. probably for good reason as the
road is narrow with pinch points along the way where barley two cars can pass each other without
having to slow down and give way. This proposed housing development would devastate this
landscape, as road widening would surely be a necessity to accommodate the population growth
and increase in traffic movement. So not only would the development destroy the existing
landscape on the build site, unlike many developments on brownfield land with existing
infrastructure, it would extend beyond to the country lane, threatening hedgerows, mature trees,
nesting grounds etc.
3.2
The road is a primary route for access to the A452, with transport links to Lichfield, Staffordshire,
Birmingham as well as Shenstone and Blake Street train stations. With no public transport links or
near by bus stops, no designated footway and roads too narrow for safe cycle lanes, the
development is greatly compromised, with high risk of excessive trip generation from private
vehicles, resulting from the development. This having a negative impact on air quality, pollution,
and increasing the carbon footprint.
3.3
As the road joins from Stonnall Road onto Birch Lane, there is a natural dip in the landscape/road.
During heavy storms, this can occasionally be prone to localised flooding. The development would
put additional strain on this area and with an increase in hard landscaping, could exasperate this
problem.
3.4 A restriction has be imposed for
environmental reasons on this route as
it is identified as unsuitable for use by
heavy goods vehicles, and where there
is a better and equally convenient
alternatives. Birch Lane is a defined area of roads
that have been determined as
unsuitable for use by vehicles over a
certain width or weight, preventing
heavy goods vehicles from using minor
roads as inappropriate short-cuts
between main routes.
3.5 Reasons such a restriction has been introduced on this stretch of road is:
• to prevent damage to the highway infrastructure
• protect the character and environment of rural areas, villages and residential estates
• manage congestion on our roads
• reduce risks to vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, horse riders
etc.
3.6
The road network for this development is insufficient and not designed to accommodate
construction traffic and multiple large goods vehicles, and places unnecessary undue pressure on
the wider transport network. A network that is already a high congestion zone and road traffic
accident hotspot as detailed in section 4.0.

4.0 Chester Road (A452) / Birch Lane Junction

4.1 Road traffic incidents, congestion, area, traffic capacity and accident hotspot:
Data already show the A452 Chester Road and the junction to Birch Lane a known accident hot
spot. This development will make this area increasing unsafe with the additional amount of traffic
placed on the network.
4.2 September 2018 - A car crashed into a wall on the A452 Chester Road, at Stonnall, close to Stonnall Service Station [REDACTED-GDPR]
4.3 October 2018 Police have closed Chester Road (A452) for forensic checks after [REDACTED-GDPR]
was critically injured in a serious crash [REDACTED-GDPR]
4.4 October 2019 The crash happened on the A452 Chester Road at its junction with Birch Lane at
about 7am today. [REDACTED-GDPR] were assessed by paramedics from West Midlands Ambulance Service before being taken to Walsall Manor Hospital.
4.5 The A452 / Birch Lane is a congestion hotspot with existing capacity issues, particularly during peak
periods and rush hour. The proposed housing developments on Stonnall Road will put
unmanageable pressure on the network and undoubtedly lead to an increase in accidents and
fatalities. This stretch of road (A452, just passed Cromwell's / Shell garage) is also a known spot for
localised flooding.
West Midalnds Key Route Data showing A452 as being a congestion area & hotspot zone with a high
number of serious/fatal accidents and has existing traffic capacity issues:
5.0 Japanese Knot Weed (contaminated land)
5.1 As already mentioned the junction of Birch Lane and Chester Road is an accident hot spot. and
would not cope with the demands placed upon it with increased traffic due to the developments.
Assuming many households have 2 cars these days. This could result in an additional 2,000 traffic
movements per day on an already pressured narrow country lane and junction, not withstanding,
commercial fleet, visitors etc. The junction is already difficult to navigate at the best of times and
particularly within rush hour traffic, as Birch Lane is used as a rat run from Lichfield, Stonnall,
Brownhills, Streetly and Shenstone into Aldridge, Walsall and beyond.
5.2 Any road improvement works could be prohibited by a large scale infestation of Japanese Knotweed
covering an area of circa 500m2, extending to the roadside of Birch Lane and the Chester Road.
Previously reported to Walsall Council in June 2021, it was deemed that nothing is required to be
done at this stage, as it is not disturbed, on private land and not encroaching onto developed land.
5.3 Soil or plant material contaminated with non-native and invasive plants like Japanese knotweed can
cause ecological damage and are classified as controlled waste. Advise in June from the council
was, the landowner does not have to remove Japanese knotweed from their land, but could be
prosecuted or given a community protection notice for causing a nuisance if you allow it to spread
onto other property.

6.0 Sewage &Services
Previous problems with Sewage pumping station to existing properties and lack of drainage facilities.

7.0 Covid-19 and mental health
7.1
In these unprecedented times of the pandemic. more people having to stay at home, work from
home, do we take nothing from this, in respect of the value of our green space and greenbelt for the
communities to live and breath. With an increase in mental health problems and society re-setting
their behaviours, valuing their local area and re-connecting with the landscape that surrounds them.
Green Belt land provides a lifeline to communities, its identity, its wellbeing, and this needs to be
preserved for future generations.
8.0 Druid Heath Golf Course
Health & Safety concerns and a potential blight on the existing landscape:
8.1 Druids Heath golf course runs in parallel with the land on Stonnall Road on the south easterly
boundary of the proposed site.
8.2 The gold courses 9" and 10" fairway run alongside the land and despite a mature, historic
hedgerow and tree line, golf balls frequently land on the proposed site.
8.3 Should houses be developed this would pose a real health and safety risk to property damage,
injury to residents and/or a potential fatality.
8.4 Measures to remedy such a risk would be an unsightly blight on the sky line and landscape and
overshadow the proposed development. Notwithstanding the impact on the local wildlife, inhabitants of the hedgerow, nesting birds etc.

9.0 Summary Objections:
In closing, we strongly reject the proposals and request instead that the space remains as open
countryside and farmland, or if developed, open green space, woodland and parkland for local people,
given the limited access to such facilities in this part of Aldridge.

Summary objections in no particular order of importance:
• potential conflict with Structure Plan, Local Plan or Unitary Development Plan policies
• contrary to government planning policy guidance
• loss of important historic Trees and hedgerows
• 'inappropriate development' in Green Belt
• harm to landscape
• threat to wildlife, flora and fauna [REDACTED-SENSITIVE INFORMATION]
• Wildlife and countryside Act 1981
• Japanese knotweed infestation
• conflict with character of the area
• over development
• spoiling natural or existing contours
• potential incompatible with the design of existing buildings
• loss of important trees, hedge or other vegetation
• threatening a public right of way
• failure to meet council's access and on-site turning standards
• loss of important wildlife habitats
• harm to rare plants or animals
• destroying traditional field patterns
• loss of high-quality agricultural land
• public sewers inadequate
• road network inadequate
• 7.5 tonne weight restriction on road -- road infrastructure inadequate for construction traffic
• risk of flooding or creation of flood risk
• accident hotspot, congestions and current high volumes of traffic
• inadequate public transport links
• no public footways, cycle ways and safety of regular horse riders
• regular traffic queuing
• threat to mental health and wellbeing of existing residents
• overlooking adjoining properties
• blocking natural daylight
• generating noise, disturbance, smells, pollution
• visually damaging in the landscape or in the setting
• conflict with the character of the area
• environmental damage caused by vehicles
• inconvenience for pedestrians
• road system is inadequate
• prejudice highway safety
• loss of open spaces
• losing historic street pattern
• better alternative sites available

10.0 Black Country I Plan
10.1 To quote the plan itself in relation to Proposals on Stonnall Road and Birch Lane, Aldridge
We need to plan for:
• Addressing climate change -we question, how this can be met with this proposed location?
• Create healthy, safe spaces - we question, how this can be met with this proposed location?
• Protect and enhance historic and natural environment - we question, how this can be met with
this proposed location?
10.2 The plan states, (7,926) of these new homes will be provided in the urban area on brownfield sites,
yet the development on 'Green Belt' contravenes National Planning Policy, given the number of
other brownfield sites that have not been included as suitable alternatives.
10.3 The first call on housing should be on brownfield sites. This is not just about protecting the Green
Belt - it is about promoting regeneration on derelict and neglected urban sites in the Black Country
- and millions of pounds in Government funding has been won, to do just that. As it stands,
Walsall's housing allocation can be met for the next 5 years without any building on our Green Belt.
11.0 Alternate and more suitable Brownfield site priority options for development (to name
but a few):
a) Oak Park/ KFC site (old Oak Park Leisure centre car park site on the Lichfield Road}
b) The Brown Jug public house site, Willenhall
c) The Old Bush public house, Pelsall
d) The Rising Sun, Brownhills West
e) Walsall Saddlers Centre
f) Whittimere StreeUlntown Row, Walsall: Ruinous site and unoccupied buildings
g) FORMER DALE STREET FAMILY CENTRE, DALE STREET, WALSALL, WS1 4AH: Vacant
Buildings
h) MOAT STREET, WILLENHALL, WV13 1SZ: Fire damaged dangerous building
i) TRAVELLERS REST, 35, GREAT BRIDGE ROAD, BILSTON, WV14 8LG: vacant site
j) FORMER PACKAGING R US, RESERVOIR PLACE, WALSALL: vacant site
k) OLD BUSH INN, WALSALL ROAD, PELSALL, WALSALL, WS3 4BP: dangerous fire damaged
building
I) BROWN JUG, SANDBEDS ROAD, WILLENHALL, WV12 4EY: vacant, dangerous building
m) The Eagle, Cresswell Crescent, Mossley: Vacant Building