Object

Representation ID: 17742

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Mrs Karen Rogers

I would like to OBJECT to the greenbelt land on Bushbury Lane / Legs Lane Wolverhampton being
redeveloped for housing / schools. I feel that this area should remain greenbelt open space which is
beneficial to resident’s mental health including my own, this area was so important during COVID-19
restrictions and being able to enjoy the scenery and walk in and around the area has no financial
implications for residents its free for everyone to enjoy and explore.
It is essential that greenbelt areas are retained across the city, there are other more suitable arears
that should always be used first.
The Northicote School closed its doors in 2014 and in 2018 buildings were demolished to make way
for 196 homes this site still stands empty. Of the properties that are planned to be built there only
49 homes will be used for social housing which will be charged at an affordable rent, which does not
even start to address the need for more social housing across the city. The additional homes that
are being built will be for sale on the open market and with house prices rising and with the
projected increase in interest rates will be out of reach for the vast majority of residents and I believe
that this would be the same on the Bushbury Lane /Legs Lane land.
There is a site on the corner of Bushbury Lane which was once strikers which has for several years
lay derelict and attracts fly tipping along with the old woodbine site on Wood Lane there is also land
opposite the travellers site in Low Hill and now the bingo hall on Bushbury Lane by the junction of
Showell road also lies empty again. Why can’t these sites be used for redevelopment rather than
being left as an eyesore and attracting fly tipping and other forms of ASB. Why can’t land in and
around the city centre be used there are so many retail units that are empty could they not be
converted into low rental city living accommodation? Why do we have to dig up our beautiful
countryside we have already lost enough with the building and expansion of the I54 site.
I also feel that there has not been meaningful public consultation about this how have you consulted
residents who do not have or choose not to have access to social media or the internet how will you
ensure that their voices have been heard ?