Object

Representation ID: 18155

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Mrs Valerie Bloomer

Site ID 10522 The Flint Field, Land North of Oldnall Road, Cradley & Wollescote. I object to this site not receiving Local Green Space designation. The area is a special place for the community and holds particular local significance because of its natural beauty, tranquillity, wild life, archaeology, history and recreational value. Its size and character is different to neighbouring or other greenbelt land in Cradley or Wollescote; the flat farmed area is only 8 ha, the full site is approx 13.8 ha while Foxcote Farm to the south is 64.2 ha. A visit there for recreation is a different experience to visiting anywhere else in the locality, which is demonstrated by its popularity, organised walks, and the support of the Black Country Society. It’s appreciated for its breathtaking views over the Black Country, its network of paths, and secluded, private areas, quite different to the much larger fields to the south of Oldnall Road, with for the mostpart only one popular right of way, overlooked by the farm and farm buildings. It is also totally different to the enclosing, towering treescape of nearby Caslon Wood. Because of the position of the site on a ridge, going elsewhere in the community for recreation by those living close to it involves walking down/up steep slopes and crossing very busy main roads with high pollution levels. That is not viable when seeking the pleasure recreational walking/running brings, and it also impacts in varying ways on different age groups regarding levels of fitness, ability to cross busy roads alone etc. LGS designation would give the extra level of protection the site deserves in that the views of the local community would also need to be taken into account when considering any development proposals on it.