Development Allocations

Showing comments and forms 121 to 150 of 332

Object

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 16169

Received: 03/10/2021

Respondent: Ms Christine Walker

Representation Summary:

I am emailing to strongly oppose the plan (page 608) for the building of houses on the WEC at Smestow Valley.
This area is packed full of wildlife throughout each of the seasons, which makes it a great area for recording the different species through photography. It is within easy walking distance for me to go and destress after a busy day, particularly useful during the pandemic, as I am a key worker who continued to work throughout this period.
I hope you are able to review this site as the building of houses in a nature reserve is not considered environmentally friendly!

Object

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 16173

Received: 27/09/2021

Respondent: Nick Vaughan

Representation Summary:

Ref: WOH274 WTNA [Wolverhampton Environment Centre]

I would like to object to the building of 14 luxury houses the WEC site. The site is of great importance to the local community for physical health and wellbeing.

Object

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 16202

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Mrs Susan Dunphy

Representation Summary:

Vicarage Road and the field opposite Penn Hall School is not present part of the conservation area. I object to this being removed from the conservation area as it is part of the wildlife corridor. The views from that point are the best to be seen and that could be lost.

What are the reasons for removing this land from the conservation area - in the past planning for housing has been submitted are planners trying to build on this land?
What were the reasons for it being part of the conservation area and how have these reasons changed.

Object

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 16223

Received: 09/10/2021

Respondent: Barbara Cole

Representation Summary:

WOH274 WTNA, WEC Smestow Valley, Wolverhampton

I strongly object to the construction of houses on the site of the former Wolverhampton Environment Centre (WEC). I cannot believe that the previously developed site has been removed from the green belt. What is the point of having a green belt if sections of it can be removed so easily?
The outline planning permission has now lapsed and probably would not have been granted if enough members of the public had been aware of the implications of what was happening. There was public consultation but in my opinion, there were flaws in the way it was presented by Wolverhampton City Council. New outline planning permission should not be given.
THE WEC is a wonderful area of open space, in a city that has very little green space. The benefits of open space to the mental health of society have been well publicised during the pandemic. I believe that no houses should ever be built on the site or in any part of the Smestow Valley Local Nature Reserve, a wonderfully unique treasure in the landscape of Wolverhampton.

Object

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 16247

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Mrs Corinne Sharman

Representation Summary:

WOH258, WOH259 and WOH257
Wolverhampton already has one of the lowest percentages of greenbelt outside of London. This greenbelt land preserves the character of the area and prevents urban sprawl. But releasing so much green belt in Bushbury will do the complete opposite of this. It also helps preserve the historic character of the area and this development would be on the door step of the historic National Trust property Moseley Old Hall. This historic building has bats that nest in the roof and have their young. Bats only have 1 pup each year so this is very important to their conservation (and bats pollinate plants). Bats have extremely sensitive hearing and having this level of building work on their door step could cause them distress. I have also seen the bats flying over site WH258 and site WOH259 is next to Moseley Old Hall. Bats are legally protected and it is a criminal offense to deliberately or intentionally disturb a bat in its roost or deliberately disturb a group of bats and also to damage or destroy a place a place used for bats roosting or breeding (even if the roost is not occupied at the time). Disturbing the land would also effect the bats food source.

Wolverhampton already has one of the lowest percentages of greenbelt outside of London. This greenbelt land preserves the character of the area and prevents urban sprawl. But releasing so much green belt in Bushbury will do the complete opposite of this. It also helps preserve the historic character of the area and this development would be on the door step of the historic National Trust property Moseley Old Hall. This historic building has bats that nest in the roof and have their young. Bats only have 1 pup each year so this is very important to their conservation (and bats pollinate plants). Bats have extremely sensitive hearing and having this level of building work on their door step could cause them distress. I have also seen the bats flying over site WH258 and site WOH259 is next to Moseley Old Hall. Bats are legally protected and it is a criminal offense to deliberately or intentionally disturb a bat in its roost or deliberately disturb a group of bats and also to damage or destroy a place a place used for bats roosting or breeding (even if the roost is not occupied at the time). Disturbing the land would also effect the bats food source.

I am particularly concerned about sites WOH258, WOH259 and WOH257. Instead of using these beautiful fields, there are so many brown-field sites and derelict land that we could use. For example currently the Gala bingo site on Bushbury Lane, Wolverhampton is for sale. If a developer could acquire this land the site could accommodate a large number of houses and would tie in with the existing Goodyear developments. This would also improve the site and it offers an alternative location for houses. Other sites include:
The Woodbine Pub, Wood Lane, Wolverhampton WV10 8HU.
Land that used to be a petrol station on Tettenhall Road, Wolverhampton (next to the Newbridge pub).
Derelict land on Bushbury Lane, Wolverhampton (opposite KFC and the Covid testing site).
Forrester's Arms derelict pub, Birmingham Road, Wolverhampton.

Greenbelt land should not be used just because it is an easier option for developers to use instead of clearing land containing derelict buildings. They make a large margin when building and selling houses so they should help by putting something back into the community and improve these areas. Surely regeneration is the best option for Wolverhampton.

Another concern is that in-between sites WOH258 and WOH257 there is Waterhead Brook and this area is at high risk of flooding. The current agricultural use of the land provides natural drainage and natural flood alleviation. But altering this land will effect the surface run off (of water) and not only poses a flood risk to this part of the brook but also to the houses that are further downstream that have already been built close to the brook. This includes roads such as Blackbrook Way which is at high risk of flooding and Ainsworth Road which is a medium risk of flooding as well as many other areas downstream. In a report on your website, in 2017 the Environment Agency identified that the brook needs capital maintenance to the lower flood risk for several properties.

I do agree with the proposal to extend Northycote Farm, as this, along with Moselsey Old Hall, are tourist attractions. Nature is what draws people to these sites. I remember looking forward to visiting this area of Wolverhampton when I was young as it seemed so beautiful. Please do not destroy it.

Object

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 16258

Received: 10/10/2021

Respondent: Ms Carolyn Farnell

Representation Summary:

Ref: WOH274 WTNA
Good afternoon
I am emailing because of the difficulty with which you have made it to download and fill in the
comments form!
I am requesting that you DO NOT build on Smestow Valley Nature Reserve. It is a place of sanctuary
for many people to enjoy which has been especially important during these uncertain times during Covid and gives people great pleasure of getting out and about, walking and cycling, in an open place of great beauty.
It is also home to the protected species of [Redacted- sensitive information]. Their [Redacted- sensitive information] are protected by law!
There are many other run down sites within the built up areas of the borough for 14 homes to be built, without touching the few greenbelt areas that we have le in this area.
Please listen to the people of Wolverhampton and not just ignore us.

Comment

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 16286

Received: 30/09/2021

Respondent: Ms Dorothy Bennett

Representation Summary:

My email concerns ref WOH274 WTNA WEC Smestow Valley in the Black Country plan. As a local
resident and frequent visitor to this area, I do not feel it is at all appropriate to use this area for
housing. The area is an integral part of the Smestow Valley nature reserve and provides a wonderful
green space and nature corridor, along with the canal and old railway walk. It is used by many local
residents as a place to get out into nature, and has been discovered by many more residents since
lockdown. It is a well known fact that being able to walk in green spaces is beneficial for mental
health, and this is particularly important for many people at the current me. The area is also a
wonderful mixed habitat for wildlife, including shallow wetlands ( surely not ideal for a housing site?)
and it would be very sad if this habitat was lost . The diverse wildlife on and around the site includes
many types of bird, five varieties of [Redacted-sensitive information] many types of insect and some beautiful trees and
wild flowers.
I appreciate that new housing is important, but as this would only be a small development I am sure
there are more suitable, preferably brownfield sites available.
I know my concerns are shared by many local residents and if the housing plan does go ahead it will
affect far more people than the potential number of residents for such houses.
Please save our precious green space for the future.

Object

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 16357

Received: 07/10/2021

Respondent: Dean Nelson

Representation Summary:

Table 43 WHO273
As a resident of bilston in the city of Wolverhampton, I object to any houses being built on this site known as the grapes field. I do so because it is a valuable green open space. This area is used by residents for walking , exercise and recreational uses. It is also an important habitat for local birds and wildlife. The bilston area already has several new housing developments but very few open green spaces. I strongly object to any building development on this site and request it protected for future generations.

Object

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 16361

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Debbie Perry

Representation Summary:

This comment relates to WOH259, WOH258, WOH257 & WOH260

The reason i object is this development will couse stress to my current mental health, along with destroying thw clean air around my home that will damage my lungs further.i do not believe any buildings should be built on greenbelt land when there is plenty of brownfield land in wolverhampton.

Not only will this distroy the local area with more popilation but alos the beatiful wildlife will be distroyed around us.

The government are preaching about keeping greewn spaces and planting tree's, this project defeats the message that has been sent out. These fields should be protected for healthy walks, widelife and cleaner natural air.

We are discusted that there has not been any notice given to local residence via letter to our households, especially to the people that back on to the fields. WE DO NOT WISH TO BE OVER LOOKED. I have known this area since the 70's & permision was denied in the past due to drainage issue's. The result of the build could mean that our homes could be flooded.

Traffic in this area is already an issue, with another 500+ houses this will cause havoc in this area, meaning more noise polution and dirty air.

Object

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 16383

Received: 07/10/2021

Respondent: Mrs Denise Bona

Representation Summary:

I do not want houses built. on the grapes field. It's only a small bit of green belt land in the area
where people can come to walk their dogs, exercise and for children to play on. If it is built on what is going to happen to the wildlife. I quite often see foxes which is lovely. There are quite a lot of abandoned buildings which you could use to build on instead of a well lived field.

Object

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 16405

Received: 03/10/2021

Respondent: Hayley Rushton

Representation Summary:

Ref : WOH274 WTNA, WEC Smestow Valley, Wolverhampton.

Please take this email as my objection to the building plans currently being discussed for the WEC. The area is widely used by not only the local community, but for the community further afield.

If the current pandemic has taught us anything it's that our green spaces and local nature reserves and parks are needed. Not just for the wildlife and ecology but also for the mental and physical health of the families and communities.

I work with individuals who rely on this area for their fitness and mental well being.

To take this away would have a devastating effect on a veryarhe (very large) proportion number of the community.

Please reconsider your plan and help to support the Earth and local community in moving forward and surviving for the generations to come.

There are plenty of brown belt areas that are in need of renovation and can provide much needed housing without destroying the very environment we need to survive.

Object

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 16423

Received: 10/10/2021

Respondent: Dev Chahal

Representation Summary:

The whole area should be given to the Royal School due to its success of popularity, parents and staff car park should be park of this development.
Currently Goldhorn Road is a sally concern due to cars parked by parents of school children.
If housing is allowed to be built then it will cause traffic issues on all roads feeding it.
This area has too many housing concerns is that more housing will devalue the area and increase crime.

Object

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 16434

Received: 26/11/2021

Respondent: Mrs Elizabeth Corser

Representation Summary:

Regarding document Black Country Plan - page 608, ref WOH274 WTNA, WEC Smestow Valley,
Wolverhampton.

I wish to raise strong objections to the above proposal, and oppose any development on this sacred
bio diverse land. This beautiful area is teeming with all types of wildlife, some which is in sharp
decline. It is used by families with young children, whose futures will be affected by any loss of such
beautiful land, as well as dog walkers and simply those who wish to enjoy the beauty's day peace of
this area. At a time when global warming is a reality it is wrong to destroy such an important area,
which contributes to absorption of carbon emissions. Any wildlife however small, is part of a food
chain in nature and should not be destroyed.
Any development of the area, however small, will change the area forever. Indeed the small area
previously used by the council was only changed from green to brown land to suit their greedy needs,
and was only ever used for growing plants. Not exactly in the spirit of brown land! It is not only the
housing, but the required infrastructures that will affect the area.
There is so much brown land available between Wolverhampton and Birmingham as you travel along
the railway. This should be your priority!

Object

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 16477

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Mrs Susan Tivey

Representation Summary:

The Wolverhampton Smestow Valley

This area known as the WEC is an absolute haven for wildlife. It has been an absolute godsend to help peoples mental health during the lockdowns. Spaces like these are a premium and to even think of building houses on this sites would be a travesty not only for the wildlife but the people of Wolverhampton. That is why I am objecting to this - Table 43, page 608 Black Country.

Object

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 16562

Received: 29/09/2021

Respondent: John Lapworth

Representation Summary:

Wolverhampton Environmental Centre

As a resident living in Finchfield, Wolverhampton I would like to object to the development planned for the above site. The area is fundamental to the health well being of the people in the area. This is a typical example of councils selling off to make money. In any case, who wants luxury homes. Affordable homes are required.

Object

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 16732

Received: 07/10/2021

Respondent: Mr John Dennis

Representation Summary:

Black Country Plan, p. 608,
WOH274 WTNA, WEC Smestow Valley, Wolverhampton

I wish to register my fundamental objection to the planned inclusion of a significant part of the former WEC in the Black Country Plan for housing on the grounds that it will seriously reduce the value of an appreciable area for maintaining and enhancing biodiversity and for the wellbeing of visitors to the Smestow Valley Local Nature
Reserve, especially crucial at this juncture in the pandemic and particularly invaluable for me personally throughout the last 18 months as well into the future.
The WEC should not be designated as a mere adjunct but as an intrinsic component of the Nature Reserve; indeed, in order to access the WEC by motor vehicle - that is, if the housing programme goes ahead - traffic will have to cross the railway track currently used each day by numerous cyclists and walkers, undoubtedly a high
health and safety risk.
In conclusion the preservation of the WEC in its present configuration would meet the aims and values so admirably expounded in the Smestow Valley Nature Reserve Supplementary Management Pan produced by the Wildlife Trust for Birmingham and the Black Country on behalf of the City of Wolverhampton Council, 2019 (pp. 4, 93, 103, 111-120.

Object

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 16771

Received: 29/09/2021

Respondent: Ms Jo Cina

Representation Summary:

Black country Planted WOH2744TNA WEC Smestoe Valley Wolverhampton

I am writing to join others in disbelief that the above land is being considered for house building. It is a beautiful area, full of wildlife and history which has literally been a lifeline for people in this are over the past difficult months. It is accessible by foot from many places in Wolverhampton and is well used.
There appears to be a lot of house building going on in the city ......there would appear to be plenty of locations which could be used . My understanding the building plan is for luxury homes ...definitely not a priority...and I simply don't believe ( or believe that you believe) and will ever be designated as social housing.
This appears to be yet another plan to make a vast amount of money for property developers . I guarantee none of them live near the WEC or use it for leisure and to improve their physical and mental well being . If this site is lost it will be a tragedy for many ordinary people a triumph for the greedy and will increase the cynicism felt by many towards policitians and local councils . I appreciate you have a hard job to do and hard choices to make but the WEC is far too valuable a site to be lost to
greed.

Object

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 16787

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Mr Ian James

Representation Summary:

WEC Smestow Valley in Wolverhampton, referenced in the Black Country Plan - p.608. Ref: WOH274 WTNA

I am deeply troubled by this proposal, as I believe the land on which the development would be taking place provides a vital refuge for local wildlife. Over the last few years I have observed the area becoming increasingly rich in nature and biodiversity. Its development will be a sad loss to the environment, to local fauna and flora, and to the community.

Object

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 16914

Received: 05/10/2021

Respondent: Dave Cant

Representation Summary:

WOH274WTNA, WEC/ Smestow Valley,Wolverhampton
I would like to formally place on record my objection to the planned housing development at the above site –
The Wolverhampton Environmental Centre/Smestow Valley make up what I think is the only designated Local Nature Reserve in Wolverhampton and as such provide a valuable and well used environmental resource.
There is an abundance of wildlife and flora to be found there attracting the attention of numerous birdwatchers, photographer and nature lovers....any major work there would result in a serious loss of habitat.
The area does not lend itself to easy vehicular access and the inconvenience, increase in traffic fumes, and danger, to local residents would be considerable. If permission were to be granted, even for a relatively small number of houses, I have no doubt the pressure to expand would be hard to withstand in future years, having 'got it through once......
In my opinion this site is unsuitable for the proposed development. Although I do understand the need for more housing, I find it hard to believe that more appropriate 'brownfield' sites cannot be found.
Finally, as a [Redacted-GDPR], I feel strongly that future generations should the opportunity to enjoy beautiful areas like Smestow Valley, as we have done(...and can hopefully continue to do).

Comment

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 16949

Received: 10/10/2021

Respondent: Girbahks Kaur

Representation Summary:

Would like the Royal School to development a car park
I object to any housing development die to the heavy load of traffic involved.

Object

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 16954

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Gloria Campbell

Representation Summary:

This comment relates to WOH259, WOH258, WOH257 & WOH260

The reason i object is this development will couse stress to my current mental health, along with destroying thw clean air around my home that will damage my lungs further.i do not believe any buildings should be built on greenbelt land when there is plenty of brownfield land in wolverhampton.

Not only will this distroy the local area with more popilation but alos the beatiful wildlife will be distroyed around us.

The government are preaching about keeping greewn spaces and planting tree's, this project defeats the message that has been sent out. These fields should be protected for healthy walks, widelife and cleaner natural air.

We are discusted that there has not been any notice given to local residence via letter to our households, especially to the people that back on to the fields. WE DO NOT WISH TO BE OVER LOOKED. I have known this area since the 70's & permision was denied in the past due to drainage issue's. The result of the build could mean that our homes could be flooded.

Traffic in this area is already an issue, with another 500+ houses this will cause havoc in this area, meaning more noise polution and dirty air.

Object

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 16955

Received: 06/12/2021

Respondent: Ms Kath Kirk-Booton

Representation Summary:

I absolutely DO NOT want to see ANY houses being built on a wonderful
piece of countryside surrounded by Smestow Valley Nature Reserve.

Object

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 16961

Received: 04/10/2021

Respondent: Dr Katherine Farr

Representation Summary:

WOH 274 WTNA

I believe there are plans to build 14 large houses on the ex Wolverhampton Environment Centre.
This 50 hectare green space in the city is an area rich in biodiversity, with many trees, shrubs,
wildflowers, mammals -including [Redacted-sensitive information], birds, insects [Redacted-sensitive information]. These are celebrated in the beautiful
Tolkien iron gates at the entrance to the site. The site is designated as a Site of Importance for Nature
Conservation. It is entirely surrounded by the Smestow Valley Local Nature Reserve (LNR) so forms an
important corridor for animals to roam through and inhabit. Its loss would have knock on effects on
the wider LNR, reducing its value for nature conservation, especially if non permeable boundaries e.g.
walls were to be erected, artificially breaking up the area. Houses and roads, with ascendant artificial
lighting, are more difficult and less safe for animals to roam and forage through than a designated
nature reserve and would lead to a loss of biodiversity.
The site provides clean air and water for people to breathe and for animals to drink. There is a very
attractive pond which has been restored with marginal vegetation stands and water lilies, and where
[Redacted-sensitive information] are believed to breed. There are many habitats supporting a wide range of
animals and plants, which would be lost if the site is converted to housing.
I teach [Redacted- GDPR] at the University of Wolverhampton.
The site is a valuable resource which enables local students to study ecology and conservation. The
Wildside Activity Centre has used the site for environmental activities for children -my own included for many years. In addition it provides access for city residents to a green space which is peaceful and
attracted throughout all seasons of the year. My family and I walk there regularly – it was particularly
appreciated during lockdown – and recent research has overwhelmingly shown that being able to get
out into nature has a restorative and positive effect on mental health and physical wellbeing.
Additionally, the vegetation, soils and ponds are important carbon sinks, helping to soak up excess
carbon and add oxygen back into the air. Even if the proposed houses are well designed, the site
would still increase the carbon footprint of the area, and areas of hardstanding and roads will reduce
free drainage and organism habitats.
With relatively low levels of financial support and assistance from willing volunteers from a range of
interested groups, the site could be further improved and managed to become a very attractive,
productive nature reserve, attracting more visitors and used more widely for educational activities,
and could become an area of which the Council could be proud. Walks and activities could be
promoted and enhanced, and material used in local publicity to promote Wolverhampton as a green
city, attracting visitors from beyond the immediate area.
I voted for the staff on the current council as they claimed to have green credentials and to care about
the people of Wolverhampton. If the city is serious about the wellbeing of its inhabitants, quality of
life in Wolverhampton and the health of the planet during the climate crisis, I would urge you in this
small way to protect this remaining area of wildness, so much valued by people and animals.

Object

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 17008

Received: 01/10/2021

Respondent: Mark Adams

Representation Summary:

Black Country Plan - page 608, ref WOH274 WTNA, WEC Smestow Valley, Wolverhampton
(Smestow Valley Nature Reserve (WEC))

Dear sir
I'm writing to you to voice my opposition to the building of houses on 'The WEC' site. This small patch of land is a haven to a wide variety of flora and fauna; [Redacted-sensitive information]
It's location, next to the Finchfield and Castlecroft estates provides an excellent interface into nature for many residents of all ages.
Since 2020 it's value to the community has been proven, becoming quite a social hub; the connected open spaces being perfect for people to gather and chat in a socially responsible manner. And post lockdown this has continued to be the case.
To carry out the proposed project would result in the taking away of a vital and much loved aminity from literally hundreds of families and individuals, decreasing the net mental and physical health of the community and removing an amazing educative 'natural' playground for children.

Object

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 17077

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Gwyn James

Representation Summary:

I wish to object to the proposed development of the former Wolverhampton Environment Centre
(WEC) at Westacre Crescent. It would represent a loss of green space and an encroachment into
an important wildlife corridor for very little benefit (just 14 houses, which I very much doubtwould be
classed as 'affordable').

Object

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 17116

Received: 08/10/2021

Respondent: Mrs Elaine Bucknall

Representation Summary:

WOH257-Northycote
Lane, Bushbury

I wholeheartedly object to the proposed housing developments around Northycote Lane, Legs Lane, Bushbury Lane and Moseley road.
this area should be left greenbelt , it's an area of beauty, countryside and history there for people to enjoy
There's plenty of space within the city that can be be developed instead

Object

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 17123

Received: 08/10/2021

Respondent: Mr James Westwood

Representation Summary:

I was devastated to hear of the prospective building of homes on the Bluebell Woods farmland on the Northway to Colton hills borders. It is a historic green belt where we have found musket balls from the English Civil War simply sitting on the surface of the soil. There is such an immense beauty to be found there in the natural landscape, wildlife and history in the ground. It also offers a place for multitudes of dog walkers to go every single day.

It is a haven for all manner of declining species like foxes, birds, and bats. The latter of which I would often watch hunt there in the early hours. It was also the first place I saw a hedgehog and slow worm in the wild. It would disrupt the imediate birdlife and in turn, affect the populations that frequent the gardens of surrounding residents. It would make travelling along the Wolverhampton Road incredibly arduous too as it is a main road connecting Dudley to Wolverhampton.

To forsake this green belt area in the name of housing developments is doubly cruel when there is such an abundance of brown belt elsewhere in the Black Country.

I am imploring you to spare this beautiful area and to consider building on brown belt elsewhere in it's stead.

Thank you.

Object

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 17138

Received: 10/10/2021

Respondent: Mrs Emma Gobourn

Representation Summary:

(Pennwood)

-188 figure 4 Housing key diagram- I wish you to receive my objection to proposed housing development at land off Viewfield Crescent, Sedgley, Dudley. DUH210 draft policies map. This land is important for nature conservation with wildlife living there. It is a public amenity and green space with rights of way and to build on it would be visual pollution in Cotwall End Valley- visible from many places. Access to the site is not suitable either- especially in ice/snow conditions, Viewfield Crescent and Moden Hill are impossible. (Site ID 147+38 from call for sites)

-I also wish to object to the proposed housing at Pennwood and near Colton Hills school (Sites 521 and 283 from call to sites). These sites form an important green wedge between Dudley and Wolverhampton and allow recreation and conservation (as well as helping air quality on the edge of the city)

Object

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 17143

Received: 08/10/2021

Respondent: Jason Rutter

Representation Summary:

WOH274 WTNA

I respectfully wish to formally object to any proposed new homes being built on the old WEC in Smestow Valley, Wolverhampton (ref WOH274 WTNA).
The fact this it is deemed as a brownfield site first and foremost is unfair. Due to its previous use as a environmental centre, and its surrounding rural habitat, it should have listed as a greenfield site.
Further, the land is now home to a wide variety of wildlife, including great crested newts (see photo) and many types of bees along with other rare species.
The site is also subject to flooding (see photo), which would not only cause an issue for any homes being built there, but could also cause additional flood risks of smestow brook nearby, especially where it runs along the side of roads and back gardens which are prone to flooding already. The wetlands up on the WEC site holds a lot of water, and potential building could force this down towards the brook.
Plus this a naturally beautiful area for all to share and enjoy, a bit of a rarity in Wolverhampton and almost it’s very own area of outstanding natural beauty. Local schools should be making the most of this site for field trips to educate our youngsters as to the importance of such areas, it’s particular ecosystem and the wildlife it attracts.
I’m sure any occupants of any new builds will not appreciate all the visitors to the site in terms of their privacy, but more importantly, I don’t think the wildlife of the site will appreciate the damage and destruction, the pollution and the proximity of any potential new human neighbours.
There are plenty of brownfield sites in the area that are in desperate need of regeneration, selling off land such as this for building is just an easy way to raise income for the council, but is not responsible or ethical, and I hope those in power who have the final say on this matter, can see that and make the right decision for the local environment and for future generations to enjoy it.

[See Photos attachment]

Object

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 17166

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Ms Joanna Zaluska

Representation Summary:

[Smestow Valley]

I have lived in Finchfield for over [x] years, and find it a very positive place to live, whith a big green spaces on Smestow Nature Reserve (Valley) giving us, residents places to walk, and stay close to the nature, which is a very important part in my life as well as anybody else. In my opinion the city suffers enough of lack of unique like this one places, and any development project will be deeply damaging for the area and for its residents. It will significantly increase traffic, noise and disturbance, and will cause more harmful for environment and people air pollution, which is already alarmingly high in this city. We should protect any left green spaces, instead of planning to overtake them with more concrete buildings. There are many waste and haunted lands in and around the city, where development projects could be considered, and would create a better look and vision for the future of Wolverhampton. Green spaces are extremely important for humans wellbeing, and should be treated as untouchable. Therefore I strongly object against building new houses in so needed Smestow Valley.