Policy GB1 – The Black Country Green Belt

Support

Representation ID: 12336

Received: 08/09/2021

Respondent: Ms Josie Anderson

Number of people: 2

Dear Sir or Madam,
Please add our support to the protection of Halesowen and Stourbridge's Green Belts.
Can I make it clear that we support the proposed protection of Green Belt in Halesowen (Illey, Lapal, Uffmoor, Hayley Green, Coombeswood), Lutley, and Foxcote. Also of Stourbridge, and Pedmore.
Can we also please ask for an email reply to acknowledge receipt of our representation.
Regards
Josie Anderson and Anthony McDonough

Comment

Representation ID: 12337

Received: 08/09/2021

Respondent: Mr John Foden

As a regular walker through the beautiful countryside near Halesowen I am horrified by the regular reports of speculators wishing to concrete over this dwindling landscape for industry or housing instead of using ugly brown field alternatives. We all know their reasoning… pure greed. I hope you will stand up against these people.

Comment

Representation ID: 12345

Received: 01/10/2021

Respondent: Christine Leahey

Document Ref. Strategic Allocation WSA3, Site WAH237/ WAH235

The policy states proposals for reveloping existing uses within the green belt will only be permitted if very special circumstances can be demonstrated.

All developments should be based on the "presumption in favour of sustainable development" and the above factors do not comply with this.

Support

Representation ID: 12361

Received: 10/09/2021

Respondent: Graham Taylor

Number of people: 2

I would like to add my support for the proposed protection of greenbelt land in Halesowen covering all areas including Foxcote, Lutley, Illey, Lapal, Uffmoor, Hayley Green and Coombeswood.

This countryside, as well as being of rich historical and ecological importance, is vital to the wellbeing and mental health of local residents clearly evidenced during the current pandemic.

Please acknowledge receipt of my email support.

Regards,
Graham and Ceri Taylor

Support

Representation ID: 12363

Received: 07/09/2021

Respondent: Mrs Emma Worrallo

Evening,

I'd like to express my support for the protection of our Green Belt in Halesowen (Tack Farm, Illey, Foxconn Farm, Coombeswood, Uffmore, Hayley Green and Lapal). As a family we use these spaces regularly for recreation such as walking. The importance of having access to these beautiful spaces can not be underestimated and their importance during the pandemic has only made them more important for our mental health.

Please can I ask that you send an email to acknowledge that this email has been received.

I attach some photographs from our beautiful green belt taken whilst enjoying the many public footpaths.

Regards,

Emma Worrallo

Support

Representation ID: 12365

Received: 09/09/2021

Respondent: Diana Oneil

Subject: FW: Black Country plan, Greenbelt protection Halesowen

Dear .........Team......

As a resident of Halesowen , I write to confirm I fully support the protection of the Green belt in and around Halesowen, namely Illey, Lapal , Uffmoor, Hayley Green, Coombsewood, Lutley and Foxecote . It is vital we protect these areas for the future generation , the benefit of wildlife and those people who live in the area.

Please reply to confirm receipt of my representation of support.

Thanks and Best Regards

Diana O'Neil

Support

Representation ID: 12369

Received: 07/09/2021

Respondent: Chris Davis

Number of people: 2

We wish to fully support the proposed protection of green belt Halesowen (Illey, Lapal, Uffmore,Hayley Green, Coombeswood) Lutley and Foxcote.

Could I request an email reply to acknowledge receipt of our representation
Thank you
Chris and Mary Davis

Support

Representation ID: 12371

Received: 08/09/2021

Respondent: ms carole freer

The Black Country Plan - Support for Protection of Green Belt

I support Dudley Council in its proposal to protect the greenbelt at Halesowen (Illey, Lapal, Uffmoor, Hayley Green, Coombeswood), Lutley, and Foxcote.


These areas provide an escape from every day stress within the urban environment and have proved themselves invaluable during the Covid crisis. They are important aesthetically, physically and for mental well being. They are our ‘life's blood’, breathing oxygen into the atmosphere and absorbing CO2.


Over many years, the public have been encouraged by Dudley Council’s positive approach to the landscape, historic and informal recreational value of this countryside. It is appreciated that the footpaths were restored and way marked in countryside improvement projects, to encourage public use and enjoyment. There is often a false perception that the Black Country is totally urbanised and industrialised. However this countryside perfectly integrates into North Worcestershire and provides the foreground to the Clent Hills, historic Hagley Park and various villages. It is living proof that the perception of total urbanisation is incorrect. This relationship, which is finely balanced, would be vulnerable to inappropriate development with roads and associated infrastructure. I reiterate that the Council’s protection of this countryside, following various studies, is fully supported.


I require acknowledgement of this supportive email.

—
Carole Freer

Support

Representation ID: 12377

Received: 13/09/2021

Respondent: Yvonne Reay

I support Dudley Council in its proposal to protect the greenbelt at Halesowen (Illey, Lapal, Uffmoor, Hayley Green, Coombeswood), Lutley, and Foxcote.

These areas provide a splendid view from my house and I would not like this to change as it is an escape from stress. It has proved itself invaluable during the Covid crisis and they are important for mental well being, breathing oxygen into the atmosphere and absorbing CO2.

It is appreciated that the footpaths were restored and way marked in countryside improvement projects, to encourage public use and enjoyment. This countryside perfectly integrates into North Worcestershire and provides the foreground to the Clent Hills, historic Hagley Park and various villages.

Yvonne Reay

Support

Representation ID: 12379

Received: 03/09/2021

Respondent: Wendy Jarvis

Black Country Plan -

Support for the Protection of Green Belt Around Halesowen

I support the Council’s continued protection of countryside at Lapal, Illey, Coombeswood, Uffmoor, Hayley Green, Lutley and Foxcote, following a formal review of the Green Belt.

Dudley Council have always worked hard to improve our green belt; they have improved the Public Rights of Way network in these areas, by working in collaboration with local volunteer groups. The council promoted enjoyment of this countryside for informal recreation. They supported the production of walk leaflets explaining the historic, landscape and ecological significance of each area. The Council even contributed £20,000 towards The Woodland Trust purchasing Uffmoor Wood, despite this being just outside the Borough Boundary and coming under Bromsgrove.

Greenbelt has never been more appreciated. Covid and lockdown has really proven how important nature, space, wildlife and landscape are to positive mental health.

This countryside, protected by Green Belt designation, is rich in history. At Lapal and Illey are the remains of Halesowen Abbey, which is a Scheduled Ancient Monument of National Importance. At Lutley we have a Conservation Area associated with historic Lutley Mill. Foxcote, Wychbury Hill, Bumblehole, Wren’s Nest, Coombeswood, Leasowes, Hagley, are all crucial parts of Black Country history and heritage.

These areas must be protected as they are of regional importance and are hugely valued by a large population. It would be so simple to seriously damage the area with inappropriate developments and associated infrastructure, but we MUST not let this happen

Sincerely yours

Wendy Jarvis
Halesowen

Comment

Representation ID: 12394

Received: 13/09/2021

Respondent: Susan Simpson

Dear sir/Madam
I write to urge you to protect our beautiful countryside at Uffmoor. Illey, lapal and Hayley Green.
You are servants of the public; you represent the residents of Dudley at this time, but also future generations of residents, as when these fields are gone, they are gone for ever.
As professionals I know that you will be looking at not the easy options but the sensible options; use of brown field sites, derelict properties etc.
How can any council uphold its pledge to being environmentally friendly if they choose to destroy ancient and beautiful sites. The responsibility is yours. I ask you to do the right thing.
Regards
Sue Simpson

Support

Representation ID: 12434

Received: 13/09/2021

Respondent: Peter Stiverson

Number of people: 2

Black Country Plan – Support for the Protection of Green Belt Around Halesowen
I support the Council’s continued protection of countryside at Lapal, Illey, Coombeswood,Uffmoor,
Hayley Green, Lutley and Foxcote, following a formal review of the Green Belt.
Circa 1989, Dudley Council, following a previous Green Belt review, improved the Public Rights of
Way network in these areas, by working in collaboration with local volunteer groups. Following on
from that, the Council promoted enjoyment of this countryside, by the public, for informal
recreation. They supported the production of walk leaflets explaining the historic, landscape and
ecological significance of this countryside.
The Council even contributed £20,000 towards The Woodland Trust purchasing Uffmoor Wood,
despite this being just outside the Borough Boundary and coming under Bromsgrove. They
appreciated the important relationship between this ancient coppice woodland and neighbouring
farmland, including Tack Farm, which is the site of a former Anglo -Saxon Mill. (Notwic Mill).
The countryside protected by Green belt designation is rich in history. At Lapal and Illey there are
the remains of Halesowen Abbey, which is a Scheduled Ancient Monument of National Importance.
At Lutley we have a Conservation Area associated with historic Lutley Mill and the green lane that
links it to the hamlet of Lutley, which was once held by the Canons of Wolverhampton. Foxcote,
which forms the setting of the Iron Age Fort on Wychbury Hill, is archaeologically rich with frequent
finds of flint arrow heads, fliPeternt scrapers, axes and other tools. It was the site of the ancient
hunting summer camps, and, in part, this explains the scatter of historic ‘finds’.
The countryside is important to people from far afield, and within the wider landscape encompasses
the famed and beautiful Clent Hills, a major area of which is owned and managed by the National
Trust. We must also remember Hagley Hall and Park, which of course includes a major proportion of
Wychbury Hill, the prominence of which is acknowledged in the 18th century, by George Lyttleton, in
the creation of Hagley Park, which is now a Grade 1 Listed Garden. On Wychbury Hill are two
significant follies – The Temple of Theseus and The Obelisk, exploiting the landscape dominance of
the hill and the presence of the Fort.
The whole of this area, including that within Dudley Borough, is of regional importance as an
amenity for the welfare of a large population and in its own right is of landscape, historic, ecological
and informal recreational importance. It would be so simple to damage the area with inappropriate
developments and associated infrastructure.
Peter Stiverson & Angharad Jones

Support

Representation ID: 12435

Received: 13/09/2021

Respondent: Pete Hall

Support for the Protection of Green Belt Around Halesowen


I support the Council’s continued protection of countryside at Lapal, Illey, Coombeswood, Uffmoor, Hayley Green, Lutley and Foxcote, following a formal review of the Green Belt.

Circa 1989, Dudley Council, following a previous Green Belt review, improved the Public Rights of Way network in these areas, by working in collaboration with local volunteer groups. Following on from that, the Council promoted enjoyment of this countryside, by the public, for informal recreation. They supported the production of walk leaflets explaining the historic, landscape and ecological significance of each area.

The Council even contributed £20,000 towards The Woodland Trust purchasing Uffmoor Wood, despite this being just outside the Borough Boundary and coming under Bromsgrove. In doing so, they appreciated the important relationship between this ancient coppice woodland and neighbouring farmland, including Tack Farm, which is the site of a former Anglo-Saxon mill (Notwic Mill).

This countryside, protected by Green Belt designation, is rich in history. At Lapal and Illey are the remains of Halesowen Abbey, which is a Scheduled Ancient Monument of National Importance. At Lutley we have a Conservation Area associated with historic Lutley Mill and the green lane that links it to the mediaeval hamlet of Lutley, which was once held by the Canons of Wolverhampton. Foxcote, which forms the foreground setting of the Iron Age Fort on Wychbury Hill and historically is linked to it, is archaeologically rich with frequent finds of flint arrow heads, flint scrapers, axes and other tools. It was the site of ancient hunting summer camps, and, in part, this explains the wide scatter of historic ‘finds’.

The countryside, hereby defined, is important to people from far afield, and, within the wider landscape, encompasses the famed and beautiful Clent Hills, a major area of which is owned and managed by the National Trust. We must also consider the Hagley Hall Estate, which includes a major proportion of Wychbury Hill, the importance of which was acknowledged in the 18th Century, by George Lyttelton, in his creation of Hagley Park, which is now a Grade 1 Listed Garden. On Wychbury Hill are two significant ‘follies’ - The Temple of Theseus and The Obelisk, tastefully exploiting the landscape prominence of the hill and the presence of the fort.

The whole of this area, including that within Dudley Borough, is of regional importance as an amenity asset for the welfare of, and enjoyment by, a large population. It would be so simple to seriously damage the area with inappropriate developments and associated infrastructure.

Peter Hall
Halesowen

Support

Representation ID: 12440

Received: 14/09/2021

Respondent: Pauline Cartwright

I am pleased, following a review of the Green Belt around Halesowen, that 'The Plan' is supporting the protection of special Green Belt areas around Coombeswood, Lapal, Illey, Grange Hill, Tack Farm, Hayley Green, Lutley, Foxcote Farm, etc., and are rejecting the 'Call for Sites' proposals that would severely damage these areas and adversely impact upon neighbouring special sites in Worcestershire, including ancient Uffmoor Wood; the Clent Hills; and the Hagley Estate, including, of course, the prominent Iron Age Fort on Wychbury Hill.

This special countryside, which should receive appropriate recognition for its contribution to the informal recreational needs of a wide community, including, of course, those of the individual Black Country Authorities, but also the needs of Birmingham; North Worcestershire and beyond.

In the 1980s and subsequent decades, Dudley Council, through it's Countryside Service followed a policy, known as the 'Dudley Countryside Management Plan', to promote and improve this countryside for landscape; biodiversity; historic and informal recreational values.

The benefits of that policy are still palpable today and were particularly valuable to the mental and physical wellbeing of many users who benefitted from this countryside during the Covid-19 restrictions.
Walk leaflets promote this countryside and are very popular.
The balance, which is very sensitive and depends upon the whole, as much as the component areas, is delicate and would severely damaged by urban developments, including the new roads and infrastructure.
I reiterate my support.

Support

Representation ID: 12441

Received: 13/09/2021

Respondent: Paul Dickens

Black Country Plan – Support for the Protection of Green Belt Around Halesowen
I support the Council’s continued protection of countryside at Lapal, Illey, Coombeswood,Uffmoor,
Hayley Green, Lutley and Foxcote, following a formal review of the Green Belt.
Circa 1989, Dudley Council, following a previous Green Belt review, improved the Public Rights of
Way network in these areas, by working in collaboration with local volunteer groups. Following on
from that, the Council promoted enjoyment of this countryside, by the public, for informal
recreation. They supported the production of walk leaflets explaining the historic, landscape and
ecological significance of this countryside.
The Council even contributed £20,000 towards The Woodland Trust purchasing Uffmoor Wood,
despite this being just outside the Borough Boundary and coming under Bromsgrove. They
appreciated the important relationship between this ancient coppice woodland and neighbouring
farmland, including Tack Farm, which is the site of a former Anglo -Saxon Mill. (Notwic Mill).
The countryside protected by Green belt designation is rich in history. At Lapal and Illey there are
the remains of Halesowen Abbey, which is a Scheduled Ancient Monument of National Importance.
At Lutley we have a Conservation Area associated with historic Lutley Mill and the green lane that
links it to the hamlet of Lutley, which was once held by the Canons of Wolverhampton. Foxcote,
which forms the setting of the Iron Age Fort on Wychbury Hill, is archaeologically rich with frequent
finds of flint arrow heads, flint scrapers, axes and other tools. It was the site of the ancient hunting
summer camps, and, in part, this explains the scatter of historic ‘finds’.
The countryside is important to people from far afield, and within the wider landscape encompasses
the famed and beautiful Clent Hills, a major area of which is owned and managed by the National
Trust. We must also remember Hagley Hall and Park, which of course includes a major proportion of
Wychbury Hill, the prominence of which is acknowledged in the 18th century, by George Lyttleton, in
the creation of Hagley Park, which is now a Grade 1 Listed Garden. On Wychbury Hill are two
significant follies – The Temple of Theseus and The Obelisk, exploiting the landscape dominance of
the hill and the presence of the Fort.
The whole of this area, including that within Dudley Borough, is of regional importance as an
amenity for the welfare of a large population and in its own right is of landscape, historic, ecological
and informal recreational importance. It would be so simple to damage the area with inappropriate
developments and associated infrastructure.
Paul Dickens

Object

Representation ID: 12445

Received: 08/10/2021

Respondent: Mr Bernard Wiliam Bailey

I DO NOT AGREE TO ANY BUILDING ON GREEN FIELD SITES

Support

Representation ID: 12448

Received: 11/09/2021

Respondent: Paul Breen

To Whom It May Concern,

I wish to state my support for the Council's continued protection of the beautiful countryside at Lapal, Illey, Coombeswood, Uffmoor, Hayley Green, Lutley and Foxcote, following a formal review of the Green Belt.

I have grown up in the Lapal area and spent most of my life walking the fields of Lapal, Illey and the surrounding areas. This countryside means so much to myself and many people I know. For this land to be developed would be a tragedy - a needless, destructive act borne out of the lustful, unrestricted material greed of landowners/developers with no consideration or care for the people or the landscape they would be destroying.

The whole of this area is of regional importance as an amenity asset for the welfare of, and enjoyment by, a large population. It would be so simple to inflict irreparable damage to such a beautiful area.

In this time of so-called environmental-consciousness, we should be doing all we can to protect our countryside, especially such historically important countryside, instead of ever-expanding the concrete sprawl of the Midlands.

I urge the Council to continue to listen to the people of the community who wish to continue to live with such beautiful surrounding countryside, that it may be here for generations, and not to listen to the short-sighted material desires, cloaked in spurious necessity from the landowners/developers.

Yours Faithfully,

Mr Paul Breen

Support

Representation ID: 12450

Received: 11/09/2021

Respondent: Julie Dumphy

We support the Council’s continued protection of countryside at Lapal, Illey, Coombeswood, Uffmoor, Hayley Green, Lutley and Foxcote, following a formal review of the Green Belt.

Circa 1989 Dudley Council, following a previous Green Belt review, improved the Public Rights of Way network in these areas by working in collaboration with local volunteer groups. Following on from that the Council promoted enjoyment of this countryside by the public for informal recreation. They
supported the production of walk leaflets explaining the historic landscape and ecological significance of each area. The Council even contributed £20,000 towards The Woodland Trust purchasing Uffmoor Wood, despite this being just outside the Borough boundary and coming under Bromsgrove Council. In doing so they appreciated the important relationship between this ancient coppice woodland and neighbouring farmland, including Tack Farm which is the site of a former Anglo-Saxon mill (Notwic Mill).

This countryside, protected by Green Belt designation, is rich in history.
At Lapal and Illey are the remains of Halesowen Abbey which is a Scheduled Ancient
Monument of National Importance.
At Lutley we have a Conservation Area associated with the historic Lutley Mill and the green lane that links it to the mediaeval hamlet of Lutley which was once held by the Canons of Wolverhampton.
Foxcote, which forms the foreground se ng of the Iron Age Fort on Wychbury Hill, and historically is linked to it, is archaeologically rich with finds of flint arrow heads, flint scrapers, axes and other tools. It was the site of ancient hunting summer camps and, in part, this explains the wide scatter of historic ‘finds’.

The countryside hereby defined is important to people from far afield and, within the wider landscape, encompasses the famed and beautiful Clent Hills, a large area of which is owned and managed by the National Trust. We must also consider the Hagley Hall Estate which includes a large proportion of Wychbury Hill, the importance of which was acknowledged in the 18th Century by George Lyttelton in his creation of Hagley Park which is now a Grade 1 Listed Garden. On Wychbury Hill are two significant follies, ‘The Temple of Theseus’ and ‘The Obelisk’, tastefully exploiting the landscape prominence of the hill and the presence of the fort.

The whole of this area, including that within Dudley Borough, is of regional importance as an amenity asset for the wellbeing of, and enjoyment by, a large population. We personally spend many hours of enjoyment walking in these areas, appreciating their beauty and the fresh air. It would be so simple to

seriously, and hence permanently, damage the area with inappropriate developments and associated infrastructure.

Support

Representation ID: 12451

Received: 08/09/2021

Respondent: Ms Julia Lodge

We support the Council’s continued protection of countryside at Lapal, Illey, Coombeswood, Uffmoor, Hayley Green, Lutley and Foxcote, following a formal review of the Green Belt.

Circa 1989 Dudley Council, following a previous Green Belt review, improved the Public Rights of Way network in these areas by working in collaboration with local volunteer groups. Following on from that the Council promoted enjoyment of this countryside by the public for informal recreation. They
supported the production of walk leaflets explaining the historic landscape and ecological significance of each area. The Council even contributed £20,000 towards The Woodland Trust purchasing Uffmoor Wood, despite this being just outside the Borough boundary and coming under Bromsgrove Council. In doing so they appreciated the important relationship between this ancient coppice woodland and neighbouring farmland, including Tack Farm which is the site of a former Anglo-Saxon mill (Notwic Mill).

This countryside, protected by Green Belt designation, is rich in history.
At Lapal and Illey are the remains of Halesowen Abbey which is a Scheduled Ancient
Monument of National Importance.
At Lutley we have a Conservation Area associated with the historic Lutley Mill and the green lane that links it to the mediaeval hamlet of Lutley which was once held by the Canons of Wolverhampton.
Foxcote, which forms the foreground se ng of the Iron Age Fort on Wychbury Hill, and historically is linked to it, is archaeologically rich with finds of flint arrow heads, flint scrapers, axes and other tools. It was the site of ancient hunting summer camps and, in part, this explains the wide scatter of historic ‘finds’.

The countryside hereby defined is important to people from far afield and, within the wider landscape, encompasses the famed and beautiful Clent Hills, a large area of which is owned and managed by the National Trust. We must also consider the Hagley Hall Estate which includes a large proportion of Wychbury Hill, the importance of which was acknowledged in the 18th Century by George Lyttelton in his creation of Hagley Park which is now a Grade 1 Listed Garden. On Wychbury Hill are two significant follies, ‘The Temple of Theseus’ and ‘The Obelisk’, tastefully exploiting the landscape prominence of the hill and the presence of the fort.

The whole of this area, including that within Dudley Borough, is of regional importance as an amenity asset for the wellbeing of, and enjoyment by, a large population. We personally spend many hours of enjoyment walking in these areas, appreciating their beauty and the fresh air. It would be so simple to

seriously, and hence permanently, damage the area with inappropriate developments and associated infrastructure.

I have additional concerns that once plans are approved for building on the Green Belt it will give the green light for further development. Developers are very keen to build on Green belt land as they get paid more. Affordable housing is not a priority to the developments,as they get more money for 3,4,and 5 bedroom houses. Developers need to build homes with better insulation and enviromently friendly materials also to avoid areas which are affected by flooding. Brown field sites and area with derelict property needs to be built on first.

Is there are guarantee from the Developers to invest in the local amenities ? Building a school or GP surgery if needed . Also the impact of more traffic in the area or the impact of new roads, congestion and pollution. Green spaces has been so important during covid and the importance it makes to people's well being as well as habitate for birds etc. This needs to be an essential part of the plan and to preserve the Green belt for the heatlh of future generations

My comments are general, but also have particular concerns for the protection of Green Belt in Halesowen (Illey, Lapal, Uffmoor, Hayley Green, Coombeswood), Lutley, and Foxcote. The traffic is bad enough now without any further developments on the Green belt. This area also provides vital green space for peoples health and well being, which includes the Abbey fields and areas around Uffmore Wood, which need protection too. Developments of the area near by in Hunnington will also have a big impact on the traffice congestion in this area.

Support

Representation ID: 12452

Received: 11/09/2021

Respondent: Jessica Taylor

Following the proposed protection of the greenbelt land in Halesowen, which covers areas including Foxcote, Lutley, Illey, Lapal, Ufmoor, Hayley Green and Coomswood, I would like to add my name in support.

The local countryside is crucial for resident's mental wellbeing and this was evident in the lockdowns. Additionally, the countryside is rich with history and is of great ecological importance.

Please may you acknowledge receipt of my support.

Kind Regards,

Jessica Taylor

Support

Representation ID: 12475

Received: 16/09/2021

Respondent: Jacky Cooper

Hi, I want to support the Council’s continued protection of countryside at Lapal, Illey, Coombeswood, Uffmoor, Hayley Green, Lutley and Foxcote, following a formal review of the Green Belt. It has a lot of historical interest.

Some years ago I developed Rheumatoid Arthritis and I have been walking the footpaths in these areas from when the Healthy Hub opened at Huntingtree Park. I am sure it has aided my recovery as I seem to be in remission at the moment. I am now approaching eighty, but hope to be walking these paths for many years to come. I have also made some good friends over the years which since I was widowed has been a godsend.

Comment

Representation ID: 12479

Received: 10/09/2021

Respondent: Mr Iain Huxley

Dear sirs
I wish to register my whole-hearted support for The Black Country Plan to protect all green belt around Halesowen.
I would appreciate if safe receipt of my support for the plan was acknowledged. Thank you for your attention.

Best regards

Iain J. Huxley

Support

Representation ID: 12488

Received: 14/09/2021

Respondent: Mr Gary Mills

We support the Council’s continued protection of countryside at Lapal, Illey, Coombeswood, Uffmoor, Hayley Green, Lutley and Foxcote, following a formal review of the Green Belt.

Circa 1989 Dudley Council, following a previous Green Belt review, improved the Public Rights of Way network in these areas by working in collaboration with local volunteer groups. Following on from that the Council promoted enjoyment of this countryside by the public for informal recreation. They supported the production of walk leaflets explaining the historic landscape and ecological significance of each area. The Council even contributed £20,000 towards The Woodland Trust purchasing Uffmoor Wood, despite this being just outside the Borough boundary and coming under Bromsgrove Council. In doing so they appreciated the important relationship between this ancient coppice woodland and neighbouring farmland, including Tack Farm which is the site of a former Anglo-Saxon mill (Notwic Mill).

This countryside, protected by Green Belt designation, is rich in history.
At Lapal and Illey are the remains of Halesowen Abbey which is a Scheduled Ancient Monument of National Importance.
At Lutley we have a Conservation Area associated with the historic Lutley Mill and the green lane that links it to the mediaeval hamlet of Lutley which was once held by the Canons of Wolverhampton.
Foxcote, which forms the foreground setting of the Iron Age Fort on Wychbury Hill, and historically is linked to it, is archaeologically rich with finds of flint arrow heads, flint scrapers, axes and other tools. It was the site of ancient hunting summer camps and, in part, this explains the wide scatter of historic ‘finds’.

The countryside hereby defined is important to people from far afield and, within the wider landscape, encompasses the famed and beautiful Clent Hills, a large area of which is owned and managed by the National Trust. We must also consider the Hagley Hall Estate which includes a large proportion of Wychbury Hill, the importance of which was acknowledged in the 18th Century by George Lyttelton in his creation of Hagley Park which is now a Grade 1 Listed Garden. On Wychbury Hill are two significant follies, ‘The Temple of Theseus’ and ‘The Obelisk’, tastefully exploiting the landscape prominence of the hill and the presence of the fort.

The whole of this area, including that within Dudley Borough, is of regional importance as an amenity asset for the wellbeing of, and enjoyment by, a large population. We personally spend many hours of enjoyment walking in these areas, appreciating their beauty and the fresh air. It would be so simple to
seriously, and hence permanently, damage the area with inappropriate developments and associated infrastructure.

Support

Representation ID: 12494

Received: 11/09/2021

Respondent: Mrs D.B Vanes

We support the Council’s continued protection of countryside at Lapal, Illey, Coombeswood, Uffmoor, Hayley Green, Lutley and Foxcote, following a formal review of the Green Belt.

Circa 1989 Dudley Council, following a previous Green Belt review, improved the Public Rights of Way network in these areas by working in collaboration with local volunteer groups. Following on from that the Council promoted enjoyment of this countryside by the public for informal recreation. They
supported the production of walk leaflets explaining the historic landscape and ecological significance of each area. The Council even contributed £20,000 towards The Woodland Trust purchasing Uffmoor Wood, despite this being just outside the Borough boundary and coming under Bromsgrove Council. In doing so they appreciated the important relationship between this ancient coppice woodland and neighbouring farmland, including Tack Farm which is the site of a former Anglo-Saxon mill (Notwic Mill).

This countryside, protected by Green Belt designation, is rich in history.
At Lapal and Illey are the remains of Halesowen Abbey which is a Scheduled Ancient
Monument of National Importance.
At Lutley we have a Conservation Area associated with the historic Lutley Mill and the green lane that links it to the mediaeval hamlet of Lutley which was once held by the Canons of Wolverhampton.
Foxcote, which forms the foreground se ng of the Iron Age Fort on Wychbury Hill, and historically is linked to it, is archaeologically rich with finds of flint arrow heads, flint scrapers, axes and other tools. It was the site of ancient hunting summer camps and, in part, this explains the wide scatter of historic ‘finds’.

The countryside hereby defined is important to people from far afield and, within the wider landscape, encompasses the famed and beautiful Clent Hills, a large area of which is owned and managed by the National Trust. We must also consider the Hagley Hall Estate which includes a large proportion of Wychbury Hill, the importance of which was acknowledged in the 18th Century by George Lyttelton in his creation of Hagley Park which is now a Grade 1 Listed Garden. On Wychbury Hill are two significant follies, ‘The Temple of Theseus’ and ‘The Obelisk’, tastefully exploiting the landscape prominence of the hill and the presence of the fort.

The whole of this area, including that within Dudley Borough, is of regional importance as an amenity asset for the wellbeing of, and enjoyment by, a large population. We personally spend many hours of enjoyment walking in these areas, appreciating their beauty and the fresh air. It would be so simple to

seriously, and hence permanently, damage the area with inappropriate developments and associated infrastructure.

Comment

Representation ID: 12578

Received: 29/09/2021

Respondent: Mr Thomas Finn

There is no excuse for building on green belt land. Review your Brownfield sites, again and again and force development on these sites. I am sure it is more expensive and more challenging to build on the brownfield sites but the easy and more profitable option of green belt should not be considered until brownfield sites are exhausted. All the local politicians say they support 'Brownfield First', even Mike Bird campaigned in 2016 saying "Our policy of tackling the many contaminated sites within the Borough will allow much needed quality housing to be built on these brownfield sites, while protecting our precious green belt. "

Comment

Representation ID: 12584

Received: 29/09/2021

Respondent: Miss Samantha Owen

I was appalled to hear about proposals to allow development on the Green Belt land alongside Walsall Arboretum.
I grew up in Walsall and still live locally in Great Barr. I run and walk in the park frequently. I even bring my friends children to the Arboretum. They play in the playground but part of their adventure is seeing the animlas grazing in the fields. I dont think you can understand that this open field view adds significantly to the Arboretum experience. It is the only area of the park with these types of views. Once this green belt is gone, it will be gone for ever. You HAVE to find an alternative and NOT an alternative on Green Belt land.
I would also suggest that this is a wildlife corridor. Surely the building of so many homes with the associated light and noise pollution will destroy these corridors. I see [Redacted-sensitive information] in the arboretum and I am sure there are other species that will be impacted. Park Lime pits are across the other side of the proposed development - this can not be allowed to happen. In future years, I want to be able to bring my children to the arboretum not just for the manicured Victorian areas of the park but for the sheep, the cows, the [Redacted-sensitive information] (that I have admittedly only seen once) and the various birds and for the feeling of space that the open field views provide. Every inch of Green Belt is precious and every inch sacrificed squeezes the wildlife further.

Comment

Representation ID: 12589

Received: 29/09/2021

Respondent: Mrs Lesley Bailey

Once the green space is destroyed it will never be returned. Use the brownfield sites that exist or convert derelict buildings for the housing that is needed.

Comment

Representation ID: 12592

Received: 29/09/2021

Respondent: Mr Richard Roberts

It's in the Green Belt. What is the point of a Green Belt if it doesn't do what it was originally, and should still currently be, designed to do?
The Green Belt is going to be increasingly fragmented to the detriment of all the positive aspects of green spaces.
Walsall is in extraordinary position in having a green space that adjoins the town centre and is linked to the wider countryside.
The Green Belt's proximity to the town centre acts as a green space for the benefit of Walsall's residents especially if they don't have their own gardens. This has been been highlighted during the pandemic. The Arboretum and the surrounding fields are all part of the integrated green space. It's a benefit to wellbeing, exercise, the appreciation of nature.
The Arboretum in conjunction with the Green Belt helps to absorb pollution and activates clean air which is vital to Walsall being so close the major motorway network.
The latest thinking in nature conservation is that wildlife corridors are vital to the survival to the natural world and biodiversity. The fragmentation of the Green Belt will be very damaging.

There is a very strange anomaly, that the nearly all the proposed housing developments are on Green Belt sites on the eastern side of the borough, and hardly any on Brown Field sites west of the M6 motorway. What special protections does this side of the borough have? Can the eastern side also have the same protections please?
In 2014 a planning application for just 14 houses in Calderfields Farm was turned down (rather than 442 proposed now in 2021) on the grounds that:-
"The development due to its location and layout would result in significant harm to the openness of the Green Belt being visually prominent from the arboretum extension, a popular visitor attraction in Walsall to which very special circumstances have not been justified to outweigh any harm to the openness of the Green Belt"
For some time and certainly since 2014, it is widely acknowledged that wildlife corridors are essential for the prosperity of the natural world, and small isolated patches of greenery and nature reserves are not sustainable, and larger landscapes are required if our biodiversity is to be maintained, let alone recover from devastating declines over last 70 years or so.

Comment

Representation ID: 12621

Received: 01/10/2021

Respondent: Mrs Janet Cowley

This green belt is very important to many local residents it is used for relaxation and pleasure it is used everyday by dog walkers and ramblers also bird watchers we have [species redacted] that would be lost where would they go? on the roads to be killed and cause accidents.

Comment

Representation ID: 12622

Received: 01/10/2021

Respondent: Mr William Cowley

Policy WSA2 WAH 238 WAH240 WAH169

I am objecting to the use of Greenfield Sites for this house building project. The reasons for not using green land are obvious and many i.e. loss of farm land, distruction of natural habitat, increased flood risk and environmental degradation. There are S.I.N.C. sites established in Victorian times adjacent to the proposed new housing estate. This new build and its ancillary support systems will inevitably have a damaging effect upon these sites leading to their distruction.
The planning authority are well aware of the objections that will undoubtedly be put forward and undoubtedly will be ignored.
Having to build on greenfield sites is a consequence of the population explosion (55 million 1971 - 70 million 2021) and as long as this problem is not addressed the more green fields will be swallowed up.
This country used to be written and sang about as a green and pleasant land. It is fast becoming far less green and consequently less pleasant.