Key Issue 6 - Reviewing the role and extent of the green belt

Dear Sir, I have read with sadness of what is intended for the green Belt. I have lived in Halesowen for 60 years, and my home overlooks the Clent Hills. I have walked these hills more times than I can count and have looked back over the countryside surrounding Halesowen and think how lucky we are. Ramblers walk here, dog owners walk. This development must not take place. If it does what else! The hills will disappear. Keep the hills alive. Yours truly, F Hall (mrs)

I have read with sadness of what is intended for the "Green Belt".
I have lived in Halesowen for 160 years, and my home overlooks the Clent Hills. I have walked these hills more times than I can count, and have looked back over the countryside surrounding Halesowen and think how lucky we are.
Ramblers walk here, dog owners walk this development must not take place. If it does what else. The hills will disappear.
Keep the hills alive.

I oppose Green Belt development, but our experience, and intimate knowledge, relates primarily to all that Green Belt in close proximity to Halesowen and that separating Halesowen from Stourbridge. This includes countryside to the South of A456; that countryside at Lutley and around Wychbury Hill; the Green Belt that links to the countryside to the south via the line of the the Lapal Canal and includes The Leasowes and Coombeswood 'Wedge'. You do not ask for a detailed representation but I list some pertinent issues:
1. The Green Belt area that I/ have defined is of exceptional quality in terms of history; landscape quality; character; nature conservation; informal recreation and it is an important component in the visual envelope of the wider countryside, including the Clent Hills and beyond, within Worcestershire.The character and qualities have been shaped by nature, farming and earlier owners, including the Premonstratensian Cannons of Halesowen Abbey; Viscount Cobham of Hagley Hall; Lord Dudley of the Grange; William Shenstone; and the Canons of Wolverhampton. Much of the area has been identified by Dudley Council as a 'Landscape Heritage Area'. There are many recorded finds of archaeological significance on the lands of the former monastery, dating as far back as the Iron Age. Manor Farm, the site of Halesowen Abbey, which is a Scheduled Ancient Monument of National Importance, has the highest density of Public Rights of Way in Dudley Borough, reflecting its monastic importance, with paths from all directions leading to the Abbey. There are 'Green Lanes' of mediaeval origin. The area is extremely important with defendable Green Belt boundaries and the Lutley countryside, prevents major areas of Halesowen from coalescing with Stourbridge.
2. The 'Black Country Core Strategy', adopted in February 2011, recognises sufficient land for housing and industry to the year 2026, without development in the Green Belt.
3. Under 'Sustainability', the adopted Core Strategy states, 'Brownfield First [for development] - Ensuring that previously developed land, particularly where vacant, derelict or underused, is prioritised over greenfield sites" It is considered that there are many more opportunities for redevelopment of sites than the Councils appear to have recognised in coming to their 'Review' conc lusions. For instance, in Halesowen Town alone, 'windfall' sites for future housing include the former Law Courts; the defunct Police Station and the former Council House. It is premature to seek Green Belts sites at this juncture.
4. Under 'Spatial Objectives' the adopted Core Strategy promises an 'high quality environment' which "will protect and enhance the unique biodiversity and geodiversity of the Black Country
.... ..... ..... whilst valuing its local character. ' This is true of the contribution that the specific Green Belt locations listed above provide.
5. Policy CSP2 of the approved Strategy of 2011, states it will provide, 'A strong Green Belt to promote urban renaissance within the urban area and provide easy access to the countryside for urban residents where the landscape, nature conservation and agricultural land will be protected and enhanced where practical and possible.' Policy CSP2 then goes on to state that, 'Green Belt boundaries will be maintained and protected from inappropriate development'. These principles should be upheld in the present circumstances.
6. Proposals to fundamentally modify the adopted Strategy of 2011 by building houses and industry in the Green Belt, would be contrary to environmental policy,ENV2 - Historic Character and Local Distinctiveness, and ENV6 - Open Space, Sport and Recreation.
7. The Urban Regeneration Strategy deployed in the approved plan of 2011 , works and encourages the redevelopment of more difficult sites for housing and industry by preventing development in the Green Belt and on other greenfield sites. This is good for the environment in all aspects. Releasing Green Belt now will be a failure to direct development attention where it is necessary and desirable. Failure to continue to follow the regeneration strategy will result in unnecessary loss of countryside; will undermine public confidence in the Green Belt and will cause irreversible environmental damage.
8. The obvious corollary of releasing Green Belt now is that the process of Green Belt release will be perpetual for future development. It is not accepted that we need to start that process at this juncture . The 'Review' proposals undermine the principle of Green Belts and are a retrograde step.

Will you please record my objection and reply to acknowledge safe receipt? Please keep me informed of progress and of future stages.

Review of the Black Country Core Strategy 2017
Objection to Housing and Industrial Development i n the Green Belt
We know that our environment is under severe threat.



1. Air pollution; endangered wildlife species and global warming, for instance, frequently make the news headlines. Countryside plays an important role in the strategy to address these issues and urban expansion into it will incrementally exacerbate these problems.
2. Countryside on the urban fringe plays a very important role in the physicaland mental welfare of those living in the urban areas.
3. The Green Belt countryside around Halesowen, and that penetrating into the urban area through the Leasowes and Coombeswood Green Wedge, have been substantially improved for leisure by the work of volunteers over a thirty year period. It is now an important informal recreational resource, not only for Halesowen, but for the whole of the Black Country and beyond.

The image relating to Notice Board in Manor Way, and associated text is scanned as an attachment to this representation.




4. The Halesowen countryside is *important to the character and distinctiveness of the Town and surrounding areas. It is the important foreground to the landscape quality of the famed and loved Clent Hills. The Premonstratensian Cannons of Halesowen Abbey; Viscount Cobham of Hagley Hall; Lord Dudley of the Grange; William Shenstone of the Leasowes; and the Canons of Wolverhampton ; all played a part in the evolution and quality of it. Much of the area has been identified by Dudley Council as a 'Landscape Heritage Area'. That recognition needs to be upheld and reinforced: There are many recorded finds of archaeologial significance on the lands of the former monastery, dating as far back as the Iron Age. Manor Farm, the site of Halesowen Abbey, which is a 'Scheduled Ancient Monument of National Importance' , has the highest density of Public Rights of Way in Dudley Borough, reflecting its monastic importance, with paths from all directions leading to the Abbey. There are 'Green Lanes' of mediaeval origin. The area is extremely important with defendable Green Belt boundaries and the Lutley countryside, J'revents major areas of Halesowen from coalescing with Stourbridge. .
5. The 'Black Country Core Strategy', adopted relatively recently, in February 2011, recognises sufficient land for housing and industry to the year 2026, without development in the Green Belt.
6. There are many opportunities for redevelopment of urban sites, other than the environmentally sensitive countryside ones that the Council intend to identify in future plans. Such 'windfall' sites for housing include the former Law Courts; the defunct Police Station and the former Council House in Halesowen Town Centre. The Council now acknowledge these, but these 'urban' opportunities were identified by developers forced to concentrate on regeneration of the urban areas, rather than being allocated precious countryside. Protecting Green Belt is therefore essential to make developers concentrate on regneration and identify further 'windfall' sites. It is premature and environmentally irresponsible to allocate Green Belts sites at this juncture.
7. The 'Review' claims that we now need to allocate substantial areas of Green Belt countryside for industry and housing. The obvious and inevitable conclusion that follows from this is that we cannot therefore define defen.dable Green Belts for the future, and that we have embarked upon a perpetual, ongoing, release of such countryside for development. That concept is of huge concern; is unnecessary and is totally unacceptable.

Will you please record my objection and reply to acknowledge safe receipt? Please keep me informed of progress and of future stages.

Review of the Black Country Core Strategy 2017
Objection to Housing and Industrial Development i n the Green Belt
We know that our environment is under severe threat.



1. Air pollution; endangered wildlife species and global warming, for instance, frequently make the news headlines. Countryside plays an important role in the strategy to address these issues and urban expansion into it will incrementally exacerbate these problems.
2. Countryside on the urban fringe plays a very important role in the physicaland mental welfare of those living in the urban areas.
3. The Green Belt countryside around Halesowen, and that penetrating into the urban area through the Leasowes and Coombeswood Green Wedge, have been substantially improved for leisure by the work of volunteers over a thirty year period. It is now an important informal recreational resource, not only for Halesowen, but for the whole of the Black Country and beyond.

The image relating to Notice Board in Manor Way, and associated text is scanned as an attachment to this representation.




4. The Halesowen countryside is *important to the character and distinctiveness of the Town and surrounding areas. It is the important foreground to the landscape quality of the famed and loved Clent Hills. The Premonstratensian Cannons of Halesowen Abbey; Viscount Cobham of Hagley Hall; Lord Dudley of the Grange; William Shenstone of the Leasowes; and the Canons of Wolverhampton ; all played a part in the evolution and quality of it. Much of the area has been identified by Dudley Council as a 'Landscape Heritage Area'. That recognition needs to be upheld and reinforced: There are many recorded finds of archaeologial significance on the lands of the former monastery, dating as far back as the Iron Age. Manor Farm, the site of Halesowen Abbey, which is a 'Scheduled Ancient Monument of National Importance' , has the highest density of Public Rights of Way in Dudley Borough, reflecting its monastic importance, with paths from all directions leading to the Abbey. There are 'Green Lanes' of mediaeval origin. The area is extremely important with defendable Green Belt boundaries and the Lutley countryside, J'revents major areas of Halesowen from coalescing with Stourbridge. .
5. The 'Black Country Core Strategy', adopted relatively recently, in February 2011, recognises sufficient land for housing and industry to the year 2026, without development in the Green Belt.
6. There are many opportunities for redevelopment of urban sites, other than the environmentally sensitive countryside ones that the Council intend to identify in future plans. Such 'windfall' sites for housing include the former Law Courts; the defunct Police Station and the former Council House in Halesowen Town Centre. The Council now acknowledge these, but these 'urban' opportunities were identified by developers forced to concentrate on regeneration of the urban areas, rather than being allocated precious countryside. Protecting Green Belt is therefore essential to make developers concentrate on regneration and identify further 'windfall' sites. It is premature and environmentally irresponsible to allocate Green Belts sites at this juncture.
7. The 'Review' claims that we now need to allocate substantial areas of Green Belt countryside for industry and housing. The obvious and inevitable conclusion that follows from this is that we cannot therefore define defen.dable Green Belts for the future, and that we have embarked upon a perpetual, ongoing, release of such countryside for development. That concept is of huge concern; is unnecessary and is totally unacceptable.

Will you please record my objection and reply to acknowledge safe receipt? Please keep me informed of progress and of future stages.

Review of the Black Country Core Strategy 2017
Objection to Housing and Industrial Development i n the Green Belt
We know that our environment is under severe threat.



1. Air pollution; endangered wildlife species and global warming, for instance, frequently make the news headlines. Countryside plays an important role in the strategy to address these issues and urban expansion into it will incrementally exacerbate these problems.
2. Countryside on the urban fringe plays a very important role in the physicaland mental welfare of those living in the urban areas.
3. The Green Belt countryside around Halesowen, and that penetrating into the urban area through the Leasowes and Coombeswood Green Wedge, have been substantially improved for leisure by the work of volunteers over a thirty year period. It is now an important informal recreational resource, not only for Halesowen, but for the whole of the Black Country and beyond.

The image relating to Notice Board in Manor Way, and associated text is scanned as an attachment to this representation.




4. The Halesowen countryside is *important to the character and distinctiveness of the Town and surrounding areas. It is the important foreground to the landscape quality of the famed and loved Clent Hills. The Premonstratensian Cannons of Halesowen Abbey; Viscount Cobham of Hagley Hall; Lord Dudley of the Grange; William Shenstone of the Leasowes; and the Canons of Wolverhampton ; all played a part in the evolution and quality of it. Much of the area has been identified by Dudley Council as a 'Landscape Heritage Area'. That recognition needs to be upheld and reinforced: There are many recorded finds of archaeologial significance on the lands of the former monastery, dating as far back as the Iron Age. Manor Farm, the site of Halesowen Abbey, which is a 'Scheduled Ancient Monument of National Importance' , has the highest density of Public Rights of Way in Dudley Borough, reflecting its monastic importance, with paths from all directions leading to the Abbey. There are 'Green Lanes' of mediaeval origin. The area is extremely important with defendable Green Belt boundaries and the Lutley countryside, J'revents major areas of Halesowen from coalescing with Stourbridge. .
5. The 'Black Country Core Strategy', adopted relatively recently, in February 2011, recognises sufficient land for housing and industry to the year 2026, without development in the Green Belt.
6. There are many opportunities for redevelopment of urban sites, other than the environmentally sensitive countryside ones that the Council intend to identify in future plans. Such 'windfall' sites for housing include the former Law Courts; the defunct Police Station and the former Council House in Halesowen Town Centre. The Council now acknowledge these, but these 'urban' opportunities were identified by developers forced to concentrate on regeneration of the urban areas, rather than being allocated precious countryside. Protecting Green Belt is therefore essential to make developers concentrate on regneration and identify further 'windfall' sites. It is premature and environmentally irresponsible to allocate Green Belts sites at this juncture.
7. The 'Review' claims that we now need to allocate substantial areas of Green Belt countryside for industry and housing. The obvious and inevitable conclusion that follows from this is that we cannot therefore define defen.dable Green Belts for the future, and that we have embarked upon a perpetual, ongoing, release of such countryside for development. That concept is of huge concern; is unnecessary and is totally unacceptable.

Will you please record my objection and reply to acknowledge safe receipt? Please keep me informed of progress and of future stages.

I oppose Green Belt development, but our experience, and intimate knowledge, relates primarily to all that Green Belt in close proximity to Halesowen and that separating Halesowen from Stourbridge. This includes countryside to the South of A456; that countryside at Lutley and around Wychbury Hill; the Green Belt that links to the countryside to the south via the line of the the Lapal Canal and includes The Leasowes and Coombeswood 'Wedge'. You do not ask for a detailed representation but I list some pertinent issues:
1. The Green Belt area that I/ have defined is of exceptional quality in terms of history; landscape quality; character; nature conservation; informal recreation and it is an important component in the visual envelope of the wider countryside, including the Clent Hills and beyond, within Worcestershire.The character and qualities have been shaped by nature, farming and earlier owners, including the Premonstratensian Cannons of Halesowen Abbey; Viscount Cobham of Hagley Hall; Lord Dudley of the Grange; William Shenstone; and the Canons of Wolverhampton. Much of the area has been identified by Dudley Council as a 'Landscape Heritage Area'. There are many recorded finds of archaeological significance on the lands of the former monastery, dating as far back as the Iron Age. Manor Farm, the site of Halesowen Abbey, which is a Scheduled Ancient Monument of National Importance, has the highest density of Public Rights of Way in Dudley Borough, reflecting its monastic importance, with paths from all directions leading to the Abbey. There are 'Green Lanes' of mediaeval origin. The area is extremely important with defendable Green Belt boundaries and the Lutley countryside, prevents major areas of Halesowen from coalescing with Stourbridge.
2. The 'Black Country Core Strategy', adopted in February 2011, recognises sufficient land for housing and industry to the year 2026, without development in the Green Belt.
3. Under 'Sustainability', the adopted Core Strategy states, 'Brownfield First [for development] - Ensuring that previously developed land, particularly where vacant, derelict or underused, is prioritised over greenfield sites" It is considered that there are many more opportunities for redevelopment of sites than the Councils appear to have recognised in coming to their 'Review' conc lusions. For instance, in Halesowen Town alone, 'windfall' sites for future housing include the former Law Courts; the defunct Police Station and the former Council House. It is premature to seek Green Belts sites at this juncture.
4. Under 'Spatial Objectives' the adopted Core Strategy promises an 'high quality environment' which "will protect and enhance the unique biodiversity and geodiversity of the Black Country
.... ..... ..... whilst valuing its local character. ' This is true of the contribution that the specific Green Belt locations listed above provide.
5. Policy CSP2 of the approved Strategy of 2011, states it will provide, 'A strong Green Belt to promote urban renaissance within the urban area and provide easy access to the countryside for urban residents where the landscape, nature conservation and agricultural land will be protected and enhanced where practical and possible.' Policy CSP2 then goes on to state that, 'Green Belt boundaries will be maintained and protected from inappropriate development'. These principles should be upheld in the present circumstances.
6. Proposals to fundamentally modify the adopted Strategy of 2011 by building houses and industry in the Green Belt, would be contrary to environmental policy,ENV2 - Historic Character and Local Distinctiveness, and ENV6 - Open Space, Sport and Recreation.
7. The Urban Regeneration Strategy deployed in the approved plan of 2011 , works and encourages the redevelopment of more difficult sites for housing and industry by preventing development in the Green Belt and on other greenfield sites. This is good for the environment in all aspects. Releasing Green Belt now will be a failure to direct development attention where it is necessary and desirable. Failure to continue to follow the regeneration strategy will result in unnecessary loss of countryside; will undermine public confidence in the Green Belt and will cause irreversible environmental damage.
8. The obvious corollary of releasing Green Belt now is that the process of Green Belt release will be perpetual for future development. It is not accepted that we need to start that process at this juncture . The 'Review' proposals undermine the principle of Green Belts and are a retrograde step.

Will you please record my objection and reply to acknowledge safe receipt? Please keep me informed of progress and of future stages.

I oppose Green Belt development, but our experience, and intimate knowledge, relates primarily to all that Green Belt in close proximity to Halesowen and that separating Halesowen from Stourbridge. This includes countryside to the South of A456; that countryside at Lutley and around Wychbury Hill; the Green Belt that links to the countryside to the south via the line of the the Lapal Canal and includes The Leasowes and Coombeswood 'Wedge'. You do not ask for a detailed representation but I list some pertinent issues:
1. The Green Belt area that I/ have defined is of exceptional quality in terms of history; landscape quality; character; nature conservation; informal recreation and it is an important component in the visual envelope of the wider countryside, including the Clent Hills and beyond, within Worcestershire.The character and qualities have been shaped by nature, farming and earlier owners, including the Premonstratensian Cannons of Halesowen Abbey; Viscount Cobham of Hagley Hall; Lord Dudley of the Grange; William Shenstone; and the Canons of Wolverhampton. Much of the area has been identified by Dudley Council as a 'Landscape Heritage Area'. There are many recorded finds of archaeological significance on the lands of the former monastery, dating as far back as the Iron Age. Manor Farm, the site of Halesowen Abbey, which is a Scheduled Ancient Monument of National Importance, has the highest density of Public Rights of Way in Dudley Borough, reflecting its monastic importance, with paths from all directions leading to the Abbey. There are 'Green Lanes' of mediaeval origin. The area is extremely important with defendable Green Belt boundaries and the Lutley countryside, prevents major areas of Halesowen from coalescing with Stourbridge.
2. The 'Black Country Core Strategy', adopted in February 2011, recognises sufficient land for housing and industry to the year 2026, without development in the Green Belt.
3. Under 'Sustainability', the adopted Core Strategy states, 'Brownfield First [for development] - Ensuring that previously developed land, particularly where vacant, derelict or underused, is prioritised over greenfield sites" It is considered that there are many more opportunities for redevelopment of sites than the Councils appear to have recognised in coming to their 'Review' conc lusions. For instance, in Halesowen Town alone, 'windfall' sites for future housing include the former Law Courts; the defunct Police Station and the former Council House. It is premature to seek Green Belts sites at this juncture.
4. Under 'Spatial Objectives' the adopted Core Strategy promises an 'high quality environment' which "will protect and enhance the unique biodiversity and geodiversity of the Black Country
.... ..... ..... whilst valuing its local character. ' This is true of the contribution that the specific Green Belt locations listed above provide.
5. Policy CSP2 of the approved Strategy of 2011, states it will provide, 'A strong Green Belt to promote urban renaissance within the urban area and provide easy access to the countryside for urban residents where the landscape, nature conservation and agricultural land will be protected and enhanced where practical and possible.' Policy CSP2 then goes on to state that, 'Green Belt boundaries will be maintained and protected from inappropriate development'. These principles should be upheld in the present circumstances.
6. Proposals to fundamentally modify the adopted Strategy of 2011 by building houses and industry in the Green Belt, would be contrary to environmental policy,ENV2 - Historic Character and Local Distinctiveness, and ENV6 - Open Space, Sport and Recreation.
7. The Urban Regeneration Strategy deployed in the approved plan of 2011 , works and encourages the redevelopment of more difficult sites for housing and industry by preventing development in the Green Belt and on other greenfield sites. This is good for the environment in all aspects. Releasing Green Belt now will be a failure to direct development attention where it is necessary and desirable. Failure to continue to follow the regeneration strategy will result in unnecessary loss of countryside; will undermine public confidence in the Green Belt and will cause irreversible environmental damage.
8. The obvious corollary of releasing Green Belt now is that the process of Green Belt release will be perpetual for future development. It is not accepted that we need to start that process at this juncture . The 'Review' proposals undermine the principle of Green Belts and are a retrograde step.

Will you please record my objection and reply to acknowledge safe receipt? Please keep me informed of progress and of future stages.

I oppose Green Belt development, but our experience, and intimate knowledge, relates primarily to all that Green Belt in close proximity to Halesowen and that separating Halesowen from Stourbridge. This includes countryside to the South of A456; that countryside at Lutley and around Wychbury Hill; the Green Belt that links to the countryside to the south via the line of the the Lapal Canal and includes The Leasowes and Coombeswood 'Wedge'. You do not ask for a detailed representation but I list some pertinent issues:
1. The Green Belt area that I/ have defined is of exceptional quality in terms of history; landscape quality; character; nature conservation; informal recreation and it is an important component in the visual envelope of the wider countryside, including the Clent Hills and beyond, within Worcestershire.The character and qualities have been shaped by nature, farming and earlier owners, including the Premonstratensian Cannons of Halesowen Abbey; Viscount Cobham of Hagley Hall; Lord Dudley of the Grange; William Shenstone; and the Canons of Wolverhampton. Much of the area has been identified by Dudley Council as a 'Landscape Heritage Area'. There are many recorded finds of archaeological significance on the lands of the former monastery, dating as far back as the Iron Age. Manor Farm, the site of Halesowen Abbey, which is a Scheduled Ancient Monument of National Importance, has the highest density of Public Rights of Way in Dudley Borough, reflecting its monastic importance, with paths from all directions leading to the Abbey. There are 'Green Lanes' of mediaeval origin. The area is extremely important with defendable Green Belt boundaries and the Lutley countryside, prevents major areas of Halesowen from coalescing with Stourbridge.
2. The 'Black Country Core Strategy', adopted in February 2011, recognises sufficient land for housing and industry to the year 2026, without development in the Green Belt.
3. Under 'Sustainability', the adopted Core Strategy states, 'Brownfield First [for development] - Ensuring that previously developed land, particularly where vacant, derelict or underused, is prioritised over greenfield sites" It is considered that there are many more opportunities for redevelopment of sites than the Councils appear to have recognised in coming to their 'Review' conc lusions. For instance, in Halesowen Town alone, 'windfall' sites for future housing include the former Law Courts; the defunct Police Station and the former Council House. It is premature to seek Green Belts sites at this juncture.
4. Under 'Spatial Objectives' the adopted Core Strategy promises an 'high quality environment' which "will protect and enhance the unique biodiversity and geodiversity of the Black Country
.... ..... ..... whilst valuing its local character. ' This is true of the contribution that the specific Green Belt locations listed above provide.
5. Policy CSP2 of the approved Strategy of 2011, states it will provide, 'A strong Green Belt to promote urban renaissance within the urban area and provide easy access to the countryside for urban residents where the landscape, nature conservation and agricultural land will be protected and enhanced where practical and possible.' Policy CSP2 then goes on to state that, 'Green Belt boundaries will be maintained and protected from inappropriate development'. These principles should be upheld in the present circumstances.
6. Proposals to fundamentally modify the adopted Strategy of 2011 by building houses and industry in the Green Belt, would be contrary to environmental policy,ENV2 - Historic Character and Local Distinctiveness, and ENV6 - Open Space, Sport and Recreation.
7. The Urban Regeneration Strategy deployed in the approved plan of 2011 , works and encourages the redevelopment of more difficult sites for housing and industry by preventing development in the Green Belt and on other greenfield sites. This is good for the environment in all aspects. Releasing Green Belt now will be a failure to direct development attention where it is necessary and desirable. Failure to continue to follow the regeneration strategy will result in unnecessary loss of countryside; will undermine public confidence in the Green Belt and will cause irreversible environmental damage.
8. The obvious corollary of releasing Green Belt now is that the process of Green Belt release will be perpetual for future development. It is not accepted that we need to start that process at this juncture . The 'Review' proposals undermine the principle of Green Belts and are a retrograde step.

Will you please record my objection and reply to acknowledge safe receipt? Please keep me informed of progress and of future stages.

I oppose Green Belt development, but our experience, and intimate knowledge, relates primarily to all that Green Belt in close proximity to Halesowen and that separating Halesowen from Stourbridge. This includes countryside to the South of A456; that countryside at Lutley and around Wychbury Hill; the Green Belt that links to the countryside to the south via the line of the the Lapal Canal and includes The Leasowes and Coombeswood 'Wedge'. You do not ask for a detailed representation but I list some pertinent issues:
1. The Green Belt area that I/ have defined is of exceptional quality in terms of history; landscape quality; character; nature conservation; informal recreation and it is an important component in the visual envelope of the wider countryside, including the Clent Hills and beyond, within Worcestershire.The character and qualities have been shaped by nature, farming and earlier owners, including the Premonstratensian Cannons of Halesowen Abbey; Viscount Cobham of Hagley Hall; Lord Dudley of the Grange; William Shenstone; and the Canons of Wolverhampton. Much of the area has been identified by Dudley Council as a 'Landscape Heritage Area'. There are many recorded finds of archaeological significance on the lands of the former monastery, dating as far back as the Iron Age. Manor Farm, the site of Halesowen Abbey, which is a Scheduled Ancient Monument of National Importance, has the highest density of Public Rights of Way in Dudley Borough, reflecting its monastic importance, with paths from all directions leading to the Abbey. There are 'Green Lanes' of mediaeval origin. The area is extremely important with defendable Green Belt boundaries and the Lutley countryside, prevents major areas of Halesowen from coalescing with Stourbridge.
2. The 'Black Country Core Strategy', adopted in February 2011, recognises sufficient land for housing and industry to the year 2026, without development in the Green Belt.
3. Under 'Sustainability', the adopted Core Strategy states, 'Brownfield First [for development] - Ensuring that previously developed land, particularly where vacant, derelict or underused, is prioritised over greenfield sites" It is considered that there are many more opportunities for redevelopment of sites than the Councils appear to have recognised in coming to their 'Review' conc lusions. For instance, in Halesowen Town alone, 'windfall' sites for future housing include the former Law Courts; the defunct Police Station and the former Council House. It is premature to seek Green Belts sites at this juncture.
4. Under 'Spatial Objectives' the adopted Core Strategy promises an 'high quality environment' which "will protect and enhance the unique biodiversity and geodiversity of the Black Country
.... ..... ..... whilst valuing its local character. ' This is true of the contribution that the specific Green Belt locations listed above provide.
5. Policy CSP2 of the approved Strategy of 2011, states it will provide, 'A strong Green Belt to promote urban renaissance within the urban area and provide easy access to the countryside for urban residents where the landscape, nature conservation and agricultural land will be protected and enhanced where practical and possible.' Policy CSP2 then goes on to state that, 'Green Belt boundaries will be maintained and protected from inappropriate development'. These principles should be upheld in the present circumstances.
6. Proposals to fundamentally modify the adopted Strategy of 2011 by building houses and industry in the Green Belt, would be contrary to environmental policy,ENV2 - Historic Character and Local Distinctiveness, and ENV6 - Open Space, Sport and Recreation.
7. The Urban Regeneration Strategy deployed in the approved plan of 2011 , works and encourages the redevelopment of more difficult sites for housing and industry by preventing development in the Green Belt and on other greenfield sites. This is good for the environment in all aspects. Releasing Green Belt now will be a failure to direct development attention where it is necessary and desirable. Failure to continue to follow the regeneration strategy will result in unnecessary loss of countryside; will undermine public confidence in the Green Belt and will cause irreversible environmental damage.
8. The obvious corollary of releasing Green Belt now is that the process of Green Belt release will be perpetual for future development. It is not accepted that we need to start that process at this juncture . The 'Review' proposals undermine the principle of Green Belts and are a retrograde step.

Will you please record my objection and reply to acknowledge safe receipt? Please keep me informed of progress and of future stages.

I oppose Green Belt development, but our experience, and intimate knowledge, relates primarily to all that Green Belt in close proximity to Halesowen and that separating Halesowen from Stourbridge. This includes countryside to the South of A456; that countryside at Lutley and around Wychbury Hill; the Green Belt that links to the countryside to the south via the line of the the Lapal Canal and includes The Leasowes and Coombeswood 'Wedge'. You do not ask for a detailed representation but I list some pertinent issues:
1. The Green Belt area that I/ have defined is of exceptional quality in terms of history; landscape quality; character; nature conservation; informal recreation and it is an important component in the visual envelope of the wider countryside, including the Clent Hills and beyond, within Worcestershire.The character and qualities have been shaped by nature, farming and earlier owners, including the Premonstratensian Cannons of Halesowen Abbey; Viscount Cobham of Hagley Hall; Lord Dudley of the Grange; William Shenstone; and the Canons of Wolverhampton. Much of the area has been identified by Dudley Council as a 'Landscape Heritage Area'. There are many recorded finds of archaeological significance on the lands of the former monastery, dating as far back as the Iron Age. Manor Farm, the site of Halesowen Abbey, which is a Scheduled Ancient Monument of National Importance, has the highest density of Public Rights of Way in Dudley Borough, reflecting its monastic importance, with paths from all directions leading to the Abbey. There are 'Green Lanes' of mediaeval origin. The area is extremely important with defendable Green Belt boundaries and the Lutley countryside, prevents major areas of Halesowen from coalescing with Stourbridge.
2. The 'Black Country Core Strategy', adopted in February 2011, recognises sufficient land for housing and industry to the year 2026, without development in the Green Belt.
3. Under 'Sustainability', the adopted Core Strategy states, 'Brownfield First [for development] - Ensuring that previously developed land, particularly where vacant, derelict or underused, is prioritised over greenfield sites" It is considered that there are many more opportunities for redevelopment of sites than the Councils appear to have recognised in coming to their 'Review' conc lusions. For instance, in Halesowen Town alone, 'windfall' sites for future housing include the former Law Courts; the defunct Police Station and the former Council House. It is premature to seek Green Belts sites at this juncture.
4. Under 'Spatial Objectives' the adopted Core Strategy promises an 'high quality environment' which "will protect and enhance the unique biodiversity and geodiversity of the Black Country
.... ..... ..... whilst valuing its local character. ' This is true of the contribution that the specific Green Belt locations listed above provide.
5. Policy CSP2 of the approved Strategy of 2011, states it will provide, 'A strong Green Belt to promote urban renaissance within the urban area and provide easy access to the countryside for urban residents where the landscape, nature conservation and agricultural land will be protected and enhanced where practical and possible.' Policy CSP2 then goes on to state that, 'Green Belt boundaries will be maintained and protected from inappropriate development'. These principles should be upheld in the present circumstances.
6. Proposals to fundamentally modify the adopted Strategy of 2011 by building houses and industry in the Green Belt, would be contrary to environmental policy,ENV2 - Historic Character and Local Distinctiveness, and ENV6 - Open Space, Sport and Recreation.
7. The Urban Regeneration Strategy deployed in the approved plan of 2011 , works and encourages the redevelopment of more difficult sites for housing and industry by preventing development in the Green Belt and on other greenfield sites. This is good for the environment in all aspects. Releasing Green Belt now will be a failure to direct development attention where it is necessary and desirable. Failure to continue to follow the regeneration strategy will result in unnecessary loss of countryside; will undermine public confidence in the Green Belt and will cause irreversible environmental damage.
8. The obvious corollary of releasing Green Belt now is that the process of Green Belt release will be perpetual for future development. It is not accepted that we need to start that process at this juncture . The 'Review' proposals undermine the principle of Green Belts and are a retrograde step.

Will you please record my objection and reply to acknowledge safe receipt? Please keep me informed of progress and of future stages.

I oppose Green Belt development, but our experience, and intimate knowledge, relates primarily to all that Green Belt in close proximity to Halesowen and that separating Halesowen from Stourbridge. This includes countryside to the South of A456; that countryside at Lutley and around Wychbury Hill; the Green Belt that links to the countryside to the south via the line of the the Lapal Canal and includes The Leasowes and Coombeswood 'Wedge'. You do not ask for a detailed representation but I list some pertinent issues:
1. The Green Belt area that I/ have defined is of exceptional quality in terms of history; landscape quality; character; nature conservation; informal recreation and it is an important component in the visual envelope of the wider countryside, including the Clent Hills and beyond, within Worcestershire.The character and qualities have been shaped by nature, farming and earlier owners, including the Premonstratensian Cannons of Halesowen Abbey; Viscount Cobham of Hagley Hall; Lord Dudley of the Grange; William Shenstone; and the Canons of Wolverhampton. Much of the area has been identified by Dudley Council as a 'Landscape Heritage Area'. There are many recorded finds of archaeological significance on the lands of the former monastery, dating as far back as the Iron Age. Manor Farm, the site of Halesowen Abbey, which is a Scheduled Ancient Monument of National Importance, has the highest density of Public Rights of Way in Dudley Borough, reflecting its monastic importance, with paths from all directions leading to the Abbey. There are 'Green Lanes' of mediaeval origin. The area is extremely important with defendable Green Belt boundaries and the Lutley countryside, prevents major areas of Halesowen from coalescing with Stourbridge.
2. The 'Black Country Core Strategy', adopted in February 2011, recognises sufficient land for housing and industry to the year 2026, without development in the Green Belt.
3. Under 'Sustainability', the adopted Core Strategy states, 'Brownfield First [for development] - Ensuring that previously developed land, particularly where vacant, derelict or underused, is prioritised over greenfield sites" It is considered that there are many more opportunities for redevelopment of sites than the Councils appear to have recognised in coming to their 'Review' conc lusions. For instance, in Halesowen Town alone, 'windfall' sites for future housing include the former Law Courts; the defunct Police Station and the former Council House. It is premature to seek Green Belts sites at this juncture.
4. Under 'Spatial Objectives' the adopted Core Strategy promises an 'high quality environment' which "will protect and enhance the unique biodiversity and geodiversity of the Black Country
.... ..... ..... whilst valuing its local character. ' This is true of the contribution that the specific Green Belt locations listed above provide.
5. Policy CSP2 of the approved Strategy of 2011, states it will provide, 'A strong Green Belt to promote urban renaissance within the urban area and provide easy access to the countryside for urban residents where the landscape, nature conservation and agricultural land will be protected and enhanced where practical and possible.' Policy CSP2 then goes on to state that, 'Green Belt boundaries will be maintained and protected from inappropriate development'. These principles should be upheld in the present circumstances.
6. Proposals to fundamentally modify the adopted Strategy of 2011 by building houses and industry in the Green Belt, would be contrary to environmental policy,ENV2 - Historic Character and Local Distinctiveness, and ENV6 - Open Space, Sport and Recreation.
7. The Urban Regeneration Strategy deployed in the approved plan of 2011 , works and encourages the redevelopment of more difficult sites for housing and industry by preventing development in the Green Belt and on other greenfield sites. This is good for the environment in all aspects. Releasing Green Belt now will be a failure to direct development attention where it is necessary and desirable. Failure to continue to follow the regeneration strategy will result in unnecessary loss of countryside; will undermine public confidence in the Green Belt and will cause irreversible environmental damage.
8. The obvious corollary of releasing Green Belt now is that the process of Green Belt release will be perpetual for future development. It is not accepted that we need to start that process at this juncture . The 'Review' proposals undermine the principle of Green Belts and are a retrograde step.

Will you please record my objection and reply to acknowledge safe receipt? Please keep me informed of progress and of future stages.

I oppose Green Belt development, but our experience, and intimate knowledge, relates primarily to all that Green Belt in close proximity to Halesowen and that separating Halesowen from Stourbridge. This includes countryside to the South of A456; that countryside at Lutley and around Wychbury Hill; the Green Belt that links to the countryside to the south via the line of the the Lapal Canal and includes The Leasowes and Coombeswood 'Wedge'. You do not ask for a detailed representation but I list some pertinent issues:
1. The Green Belt area that I/ have defined is of exceptional quality in terms of history; landscape quality; character; nature conservation; informal recreation and it is an important component in the visual envelope of the wider countryside, including the Clent Hills and beyond, within Worcestershire.The character and qualities have been shaped by nature, farming and earlier owners, including the Premonstratensian Cannons of Halesowen Abbey; Viscount Cobham of Hagley Hall; Lord Dudley of the Grange; William Shenstone; and the Canons of Wolverhampton. Much of the area has been identified by Dudley Council as a 'Landscape Heritage Area'. There are many recorded finds of archaeological significance on the lands of the former monastery, dating as far back as the Iron Age. Manor Farm, the site of Halesowen Abbey, which is a Scheduled Ancient Monument of National Importance, has the highest density of Public Rights of Way in Dudley Borough, reflecting its monastic importance, with paths from all directions leading to the Abbey. There are 'Green Lanes' of mediaeval origin. The area is extremely important with defendable Green Belt boundaries and the Lutley countryside, prevents major areas of Halesowen from coalescing with Stourbridge.
2. The 'Black Country Core Strategy', adopted in February 2011, recognises sufficient land for housing and industry to the year 2026, without development in the Green Belt.
3. Under 'Sustainability', the adopted Core Strategy states, 'Brownfield First [for development] - Ensuring that previously developed land, particularly where vacant, derelict or underused, is prioritised over greenfield sites" It is considered that there are many more opportunities for redevelopment of sites than the Councils appear to have recognised in coming to their 'Review' conc lusions. For instance, in Halesowen Town alone, 'windfall' sites for future housing include the former Law Courts; the defunct Police Station and the former Council House. It is premature to seek Green Belts sites at this juncture.
4. Under 'Spatial Objectives' the adopted Core Strategy promises an 'high quality environment' which "will protect and enhance the unique biodiversity and geodiversity of the Black Country
.... ..... ..... whilst valuing its local character. ' This is true of the contribution that the specific Green Belt locations listed above provide.
5. Policy CSP2 of the approved Strategy of 2011, states it will provide, 'A strong Green Belt to promote urban renaissance within the urban area and provide easy access to the countryside for urban residents where the landscape, nature conservation and agricultural land will be protected and enhanced where practical and possible.' Policy CSP2 then goes on to state that, 'Green Belt boundaries will be maintained and protected from inappropriate development'. These principles should be upheld in the present circumstances.
6. Proposals to fundamentally modify the adopted Strategy of 2011 by building houses and industry in the Green Belt, would be contrary to environmental policy,ENV2 - Historic Character and Local Distinctiveness, and ENV6 - Open Space, Sport and Recreation.
7. The Urban Regeneration Strategy deployed in the approved plan of 2011 , works and encourages the redevelopment of more difficult sites for housing and industry by preventing development in the Green Belt and on other greenfield sites. This is good for the environment in all aspects. Releasing Green Belt now will be a failure to direct development attention where it is necessary and desirable. Failure to continue to follow the regeneration strategy will result in unnecessary loss of countryside; will undermine public confidence in the Green Belt and will cause irreversible environmental damage.
8. The obvious corollary of releasing Green Belt now is that the process of Green Belt release will be perpetual for future development. It is not accepted that we need to start that process at this juncture . The 'Review' proposals undermine the principle of Green Belts and are a retrograde step.

Will you please record my objection and reply to acknowledge safe receipt? Please keep me informed of progress and of future stages.

I oppose Green Belt development, but our experience, and intimate knowledge, relates primarily to all that Green Belt in close proximity to Halesowen and that separating Halesowen from Stourbridge. This includes countryside to the South of A456; that countryside at Lutley and around Wychbury Hill; the Green Belt that links to the countryside to the south via the line of the the Lapal Canal and includes The Leasowes and Coombeswood 'Wedge'. You do not ask for a detailed representation but I list some pertinent issues:
1. The Green Belt area that I/ have defined is of exceptional quality in terms of history; landscape quality; character; nature conservation; informal recreation and it is an important component in the visual envelope of the wider countryside, including the Clent Hills and beyond, within Worcestershire.The character and qualities have been shaped by nature, farming and earlier owners, including the Premonstratensian Cannons of Halesowen Abbey; Viscount Cobham of Hagley Hall; Lord Dudley of the Grange; William Shenstone; and the Canons of Wolverhampton. Much of the area has been identified by Dudley Council as a 'Landscape Heritage Area'. There are many recorded finds of archaeological significance on the lands of the former monastery, dating as far back as the Iron Age. Manor Farm, the site of Halesowen Abbey, which is a Scheduled Ancient Monument of National Importance, has the highest density of Public Rights of Way in Dudley Borough, reflecting its monastic importance, with paths from all directions leading to the Abbey. There are 'Green Lanes' of mediaeval origin. The area is extremely important with defendable Green Belt boundaries and the Lutley countryside, prevents major areas of Halesowen from coalescing with Stourbridge.
2. The 'Black Country Core Strategy', adopted in February 2011, recognises sufficient land for housing and industry to the year 2026, without development in the Green Belt.
3. Under 'Sustainability', the adopted Core Strategy states, 'Brownfield First [for development] - Ensuring that previously developed land, particularly where vacant, derelict or underused, is prioritised over greenfield sites" It is considered that there are many more opportunities for redevelopment of sites than the Councils appear to have recognised in coming to their 'Review' conc lusions. For instance, in Halesowen Town alone, 'windfall' sites for future housing include the former Law Courts; the defunct Police Station and the former Council House. It is premature to seek Green Belts sites at this juncture.
4. Under 'Spatial Objectives' the adopted Core Strategy promises an 'high quality environment' which "will protect and enhance the unique biodiversity and geodiversity of the Black Country
.... ..... ..... whilst valuing its local character. ' This is true of the contribution that the specific Green Belt locations listed above provide.
5. Policy CSP2 of the approved Strategy of 2011, states it will provide, 'A strong Green Belt to promote urban renaissance within the urban area and provide easy access to the countryside for urban residents where the landscape, nature conservation and agricultural land will be protected and enhanced where practical and possible.' Policy CSP2 then goes on to state that, 'Green Belt boundaries will be maintained and protected from inappropriate development'. These principles should be upheld in the present circumstances.
6. Proposals to fundamentally modify the adopted Strategy of 2011 by building houses and industry in the Green Belt, would be contrary to environmental policy,ENV2 - Historic Character and Local Distinctiveness, and ENV6 - Open Space, Sport and Recreation.
7. The Urban Regeneration Strategy deployed in the approved plan of 2011 , works and encourages the redevelopment of more difficult sites for housing and industry by preventing development in the Green Belt and on other greenfield sites. This is good for the environment in all aspects. Releasing Green Belt now will be a failure to direct development attention where it is necessary and desirable. Failure to continue to follow the regeneration strategy will result in unnecessary loss of countryside; will undermine public confidence in the Green Belt and will cause irreversible environmental damage.
8. The obvious corollary of releasing Green Belt now is that the process of Green Belt release will be perpetual for future development. It is not accepted that we need to start that process at this juncture . The 'Review' proposals undermine the principle of Green Belts and are a retrograde step.

Will you please record my objection and reply to acknowledge safe receipt? Please keep me informed of progress and of future stages.

I oppose Green Belt development, but our experience, and intimate knowledge, relates primarily to all that Green Belt in close proximity to Halesowen and that separating Halesowen from Stourbridge. This includes countryside to the South of A456; that countryside at Lutley and around Wychbury Hill; the Green Belt that links to the countryside to the south via the line of the the Lapal Canal and includes The Leasowes and Coombeswood 'Wedge'. You do not ask for a detailed representation but I list some pertinent issues:
1. The Green Belt area that I/ have defined is of exceptional quality in terms of history; landscape quality; character; nature conservation; informal recreation and it is an important component in the visual envelope of the wider countryside, including the Clent Hills and beyond, within Worcestershire.The character and qualities have been shaped by nature, farming and earlier owners, including the Premonstratensian Cannons of Halesowen Abbey; Viscount Cobham of Hagley Hall; Lord Dudley of the Grange; William Shenstone; and the Canons of Wolverhampton. Much of the area has been identified by Dudley Council as a 'Landscape Heritage Area'. There are many recorded finds of archaeological significance on the lands of the former monastery, dating as far back as the Iron Age. Manor Farm, the site of Halesowen Abbey, which is a Scheduled Ancient Monument of National Importance, has the highest density of Public Rights of Way in Dudley Borough, reflecting its monastic importance, with paths from all directions leading to the Abbey. There are 'Green Lanes' of mediaeval origin. The area is extremely important with defendable Green Belt boundaries and the Lutley countryside, prevents major areas of Halesowen from coalescing with Stourbridge.
2. The 'Black Country Core Strategy', adopted in February 2011, recognises sufficient land for housing and industry to the year 2026, without development in the Green Belt.
3. Under 'Sustainability', the adopted Core Strategy states, 'Brownfield First [for development] - Ensuring that previously developed land, particularly where vacant, derelict or underused, is prioritised over greenfield sites" It is considered that there are many more opportunities for redevelopment of sites than the Councils appear to have recognised in coming to their 'Review' conc lusions. For instance, in Halesowen Town alone, 'windfall' sites for future housing include the former Law Courts; the defunct Police Station and the former Council House. It is premature to seek Green Belts sites at this juncture.
4. Under 'Spatial Objectives' the adopted Core Strategy promises an 'high quality environment' which "will protect and enhance the unique biodiversity and geodiversity of the Black Country
.... ..... ..... whilst valuing its local character. ' This is true of the contribution that the specific Green Belt locations listed above provide.
5. Policy CSP2 of the approved Strategy of 2011, states it will provide, 'A strong Green Belt to promote urban renaissance within the urban area and provide easy access to the countryside for urban residents where the landscape, nature conservation and agricultural land will be protected and enhanced where practical and possible.' Policy CSP2 then goes on to state that, 'Green Belt boundaries will be maintained and protected from inappropriate development'. These principles should be upheld in the present circumstances.
6. Proposals to fundamentally modify the adopted Strategy of 2011 by building houses and industry in the Green Belt, would be contrary to environmental policy,ENV2 - Historic Character and Local Distinctiveness, and ENV6 - Open Space, Sport and Recreation.
7. The Urban Regeneration Strategy deployed in the approved plan of 2011 , works and encourages the redevelopment of more difficult sites for housing and industry by preventing development in the Green Belt and on other greenfield sites. This is good for the environment in all aspects. Releasing Green Belt now will be a failure to direct development attention where it is necessary and desirable. Failure to continue to follow the regeneration strategy will result in unnecessary loss of countryside; will undermine public confidence in the Green Belt and will cause irreversible environmental damage.
8. The obvious corollary of releasing Green Belt now is that the process of Green Belt release will be perpetual for future development. It is not accepted that we need to start that process at this juncture . The 'Review' proposals undermine the principle of Green Belts and are a retrograde step.

Will you please record my objection and reply to acknowledge safe receipt? Please keep me informed of progress and of future stages.