Comment

Representation ID: 21943

Received: 28/09/2021

Respondent: Mr Neil Tonks

I email you regarding the ongoing plight of the Corbett Meadow in Stourbridge. This vital piece of land is an integral part of the local community of Stourbridge, not only does it provide sanctuary for flora and fauna, it is an important lung in the middle of a large conurbation which is ever expanding. It distresses me to think that a company can potentially take over this land and make
fast money in the process, then walk away and leave local people with more congestion, waste, pollution and poorer air quality. Therefore the proposal for the land to be sold for a quick financial gain with no thought for the local environment should be stopped at all costs. Within the haven of Corbett Meadow there are many birds, animals and plants that rely on the area to survive.
[redacted] to name a few (all red listed birds confirmed by the RSPB) are dependant upon this green oasis, not to mention [redacted]. Mature trees the very lungs of the community also benefit from this oasis. The Black Country Plan clearly states in the Strategic Priority sections that it is to protect health both physical and
mental and wellbeing through minimising pollution, so to increase traffic and make the roads more congested will completely undermine and contradict the fight against air, noise and other forms of pollution and damage the health of the local community. The Strategic Priority 11 page:22 of the plan also states to protect and enhance e natural environment, so how can that be achieved by
allowing new builds upon the Corbett Meadow destroying yet more natural habitat. Although I am no
expert in buildings and their infrastructure, why is a vital natural area being targeted when there are hundreds if not thousands of houses within the Black Country conurbation that are standing empty and boarded up for a variety of reasons. If it is the case that many of these dwellings are safe or can be made safe for people to inhabit them again, then why not spend taxpayers money on renovating these properties instead which surely would be cost effective. This would go some way to stop building conglomerates from quite frankly making a lot of money from new builds then disappear from view leaving local residents to suffer more noise, pollution and congestion to deal with. Corbett Meadow was left to the people of Stourbridge by John Corbett for all to enjoy and should not be allowed to be disturbed in any shape or form.