Object
Draft Black Country Plan
Representation ID: 46060
Received: 03/10/2021
Respondent: Mr Richard Hughes
I object to these proposals as the increase in population would have a severe adverse impact on the following:
1. HEALTH SERVICES. This area already has an insufficient number of GP's : e.g. Moss Grove Surgery sends patients to Kinver surgery. Waiting times for Russells Hall Hospital and for Ambulance services are already unacceptable, and there will be further delays in Mental Health and Social Care services.
2. ROADS. The A449 is already very busy and noisy, and the local road structure is already congested. Extra vehicles will increase noise, cause higher CO2 emissions and poorer air quality, cause more bus delays and increase accidents and tailbacks due to the proposed "crossing". More drivers will cut through the Maidensbridge estate, and a second access road onto the A449 would slow traffic, forcing drivers to use village roads.
3. SCHOOLS. For September 2021, the only secondary school with places for year 7 admissions is Wordsley. Most other year groups are full. There are no places for Reception pupils in Wall Health for 2021, and only one school in Kingswinford with places available. Increased numbers will impact on class sizes and keeping legal sizes in KS1. Page 78 referes to "Improving Schools" but how will this be achieved without building or playing fields or changing the character of schools?
4. ENVIRONMENT. There will be a loss of Green Belt and impact on local wildlife. All brownfield sites must be used first, before green belt. Holbeach is Grade 2 agricultural land where a range of crops can be grown. The government committed a 25 year plan to protect land of this quality and use the soil in a sustainable way. The hedgerows all around Holbeache form a site of Local Importance for Nature Conservaition (SLINC). Building here will mean a loss of wildlife and biodiversity that the wildlife corridor tries to protect due to declining numbers. Local people also appreciatre the green belt through walks and cycle rides; it must be protected for future generations.