Object

Representation ID: 17896

Received: 10/10/2021

Respondent: Mr Matthew Hytch

-I am writing in objection to the developments in the local area of B74 3JZ (Under Walsall LA) near Pacific Nurseries on the Chester Rd, in the Hardwick area. On the Black Country plan this is indicated as 3 sites labelled WAH230, WAH246 & most concerningly WAH254. I located these on page 564 'Land to the east of Chester Rd, north of Pacific Nurseries, Hardwick.'
-Whilst I appreciate the demand for housing in the country, land around this area has already been impacted by development in recent years, for example the developments behind Wheats & Sons Nurseries (520 Chester Rd) and opposite Pacific Nurseries at the proposed sites where the old farm was converted into homes. Now there seems to be yet more rural land being looked at for housing.
-The wildlife and nature around here is already being hard hit and now, these sites in and around Greenbelt land are being exploited for housing on a large scale. Where will it stop? This type of erosion of the rural environment, land uses and habitats, by such proposed development sites, I am strongly appose to. In addition access options are not suitable as these are quiet residential roads (Lindrosa, Coniston and Windermere Rd), not appropriate for converting into possible access in addition to the Chester road . These are narrow, quiet roads with children & family using them. To change these would be to put pedestrians at risk.
-Whilst walking in the woodland in the proposed site WAH254 and parts of WAH246, I regularly see, bats, muntjac deer, Jay's and a multitude of other birds, including birds of prey and owls. These wooded areas provide much needed shelter, food, and nature corridors between other nearby woodland and nature areas. Development in and around on these sites would only add to threated the nature. We recently took part in the RSPD 'Big bird watch' and were sad to find that the numbers we spotted were already down on our previous years observations.
-We all know that housing development is needed but for the local development leaders to propose it on such sites seems unacceptable. The council and black country development team will no doubt say that such proposals are carefully considered. Deforestation (Tree preservation is not enough) such of that required for WAH254 is absurd when compared to the brownfield urban options that must be available and suitable. Walsall town centre which is far too large to cater for retail demand (moreover quality retail) for example could be halved in size, without a tree felled and still have spare retail space after creating housing!
-There is nothing strategic for the mass proposed housing in and around the B74 area land to the east of Chester Rd, north of Pacific Nurseries, Hardwick. (WAH230, WAH246 & WAH254.) Please accept this as my official opposition to any development here.