Object

Representation ID: 17287

Received: 02/10/2021

Respondent: Mr Paul Trueman

Black Country Plan
Comments Form
Section 2: Your Representation / Comments
Local Authority Area — ref. WAH 231
Location and site policy: Sutton Road, Longwood Lane
Comments in respect of the above:
This is an ecological diverse and sensitive habitat containing streams and ponds, mature trees and extensive wildlife including [Redacted-Sensitive information] presumably from Cannock Chase. There is extensive bird life including [Redacted-Sensitive information] etc. [Redacted-Sensitive information] are also seen. These together with insects, and wildflowers is why the area has been designated a Site of Local Importance for Nature Conservation.
The area links to the Arboretum Extension (a Conservation Area), Rushall Canal (SLINC), Calderfields Golf course and Hayhead Wood. Allowing development on this land would break this link and would result in the loss of visiting wildlife. Such a development appears to be contrary to Walsall Council Site Allocation Document item 7 Environmental Network Quote: The key issue for provision of environmental network across the Borough has been identified as follows: The Borough contains many environmental sites in isolation but consideration could be given to linking these to form more cohesive networks. Building on this land would break an existing environmental network and is therefore running counter to the council's Site Allocation Document.
The loss of green space would adversely affect the problem of climate change and the ability to reduce carbon dioxide levels given the reduction in trees and shrubs.
The construction of a further 202 homes on this site would lead to an additional of somewhere between three to four hundred additional vehicles using Sutton Road and Longwood Lane adding to the existing traffic congestion (particularly at the junction of Longwood Lane and Sutton Road) and would add significantly to air pollution which given the nearby motorway network is already high.
Any access to the proposed site from Longwood Lane would be problematic. There are no footpaths or cycle ways beyond the present houses. The lane is heavily used by cars and lorries and much of this traffic ignores the current speed limits. The lane is something of an accident blackspot and a nightmare for pedestrians, particularly the elderly, to cross.
Loosing green space and adding additional hard surfacing will add the surface water run off and additional drainage problems.
The plan, if accepted, sets a worrying precedent. By allowing building on Greenbelt / SLINC land it will open the way for future developments which will gradually erode these protected areas.
In the Black Country Plan — Planning for the future of the Black Country- Draft Plan Consultation 16 August — 11 October the paragraph "What does the Black Country Plan need to plan for" contains the following bullet points:
How we will address climate change
How we will create healthy and safe places
How we will protect and enhance the historic and natural environment
For the reasons outlined above the proposal to allow development on this site would go against all of these objectives.