Object

Representation ID: 45365

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Mrs Nita Bishop

TRAFFIC IMPACT ON SITE. THE PROPOSED LAPWOOD AVENUE OPEN SPACE IS DIRECTLY OPPOSITE A PRIMARY SCHOOL, on a road that is already severely congested, and parking takes up both sides of the road and surrounding roads. Building 45 houses on this field would cause further difficulties for parents accessing the school and residents of the estate. In the site assessment "impact on the wider road network" states no impact expected, but a significant effect will happen on the immediate rather than wider road network.

EFFECT ON ROAD SAFETY. The BCP plan indicates that proposed Ketley Quarry site ill not include a through road connecting the new estate to the CRESTWOOD PARK estate via Lapwood AVENUE whereas the recent planning application/feasibility study did indicate it. A through road, would create a cut through, short out between Bromley Lane and the main Dudley Road, which would likely cause a significant increase in traffic moving through the estate, not only peak time, but at all points throughout the day, and further problems leaving the estate at the Bromely Road Junction. This would significantly decrease road and pedestrian safety on the estate, especially at Peak school and work times. Without this new cut through Bromley Lane traffic can be chaotic at peak times now.
EFFECT ON ROAD SAFETY + CARP PARKING FOR SCHOOLS. A new housing site on Lapwood Avenue would reduce availability of car parking for the school which is already overly congested and decreased road safety for both children, parents and residents on the estate.

Effect on School admissions. There are insufficient school places for children across the area. For Septembr 2021 admissions, the only secondary with places for year 7 is Wordsley.
The Crestwood School is already taking extra students into year 7. a new estate both on the Ketley Quarry and Crestwood Park will put further pressure on the school and increase traffic congestion. There are no places for Reception in Wall Heath for 2021; there is only one school in Kingswinford with places. Creating spaces in existing schools will take away car parking and much needed play areas and playing fields.
Effect on the NHS. There are not enough local doctors and dentists in the local area. Residents are being forced to travel out the area to access care. As people are living longer there is going to be more pressure on the NHS services. More houses means more pressure.

Effect on Mental Health. The BCP calls out that Kingswinford, Saith and Wordsley specifically have a below standard quantity of public open space! This spce is very important to local residents for many users, but frequently for dog walking, and a safe space for children of all ages to play and socialise, specifically if is within site of many of the local houses.
During the lockdown the use of this space increased even further.
a. The BCP identifies Ketley Field Open Space as a suitable alternative space to allow for the loss of Lapwood Avenue, however this site regularly floods that bad that ducks take up residence.
Saplings have recently been planted but will take years to have any impact. the playground is totally inadequate and has not been updated, there is nothing suitable for young children
b) As a resident I totally disagree that Ketley Fields is of higher quality and value
b. For older residents and those with mobility conditions who live at either end of the estate will find it difficult to get to.

Children will be closer to the main road, and this area of grass is not in view of some houses.
Loss of Biodiversity, Although not designated as SLINC or similar, there are frequent sighting of foxes,and bats.
Owls and numerous species of birds are seen and heard every year. Loss of land in Lapwood Avenue would lead to loss or displacement of this wildlife.
Local space quality and value grading. This was carried out as part of the open Space Review 2019. It seems very unfair that all local spaces were graded using the same criteria. How can you possibly come the likes of Mary Stevens Park against our local field, which lost out due to no toilets, no café, no tennis courts; even the fact we don't have a sign indicating the name of our field. Utterly ridiculous. We are constantly being told about the threat of climate change, yet more green land is being dug up. There is more traffic on our already congested roads; The infrastructure of this area is already struggling.
KINGSWINFORD and WALL HEATH ARE EXPECTED TO PROVIDE MORE THAN THEIR SHARE FOR THE DUDLEY REGION UNTIL 2035. IT NEEDS TO STOP NOW