Development Allocations

Object

Representation ID: 17179

Received: 10/10/2021

Respondent: John Daniels

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


I object on the grounds that I strongly disagree with the notion that“There is no habitat of value within the site...".

Comment

Representation ID: 17200

Received: 08/10/2021

Respondent: Mr John Gibson

[Goldthron Road]

*Firstly I found this in my letterbox this morning at 06:30 7th October. This only gives 4 days to provide a quality comment. Many of the residents who live in houses in Goldthorn Road are tenants and are short term, so they may be disinclined to respond.

I am in complete objection to a housing proposal on this site. My understanding is that feasibility for the housing proposal was carried out at least 5 years ago. Had I known this, I would not have purchased this property [x] years ago.
- There are already serious issues with traffic in Goldthorn Rd. At drop-off and pick-up times. I have seen people engaging in arguments and threatening behaviour. It is only a question of time before someone is hurt or a child is injured. The entire street becomes blocked, making it impossible for emergency vehicles.
- Goldthorn Road is used as a short cut between Penn Road and Goldthorn Hill. I have witnessed vehicles daily travelling at speeds up to 60mph. I campaigned for a speed check but this was taken at average speed between 08:00 and 17:00 and for much of this time traffic is stationary which gives a false idea of the average speed.
- I am greatly in favour of the Royal school occupying as much as this land as possible.
- Increasing housing is not supported by the local infrastructure
- There are not enough local shops/ amenities as it is!
- PLEASE STOP THE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT!!

I am very concerned about the safety issues which will be created by the development on the old St Lukes playing field, if it is passed for a housing development.
There are already a number of issues with traffic, and the safety of school children.
Goldthorn Rd is also used as a short cut between Penn Rd and Goldthorn Hill. I have needed to pull my partner away from speeding traffic a number of times.
A speed detector was placed some time ago to monitor traffic speeds, but I was also told that this was taken as an average and included drop off and pick up times during which traffic was virtually stationary.
I have witnessed vehicles travelling well in excess of 50mph and have been forced to dash for safety when crossing.

With a housing development this will exacerbate the problem and will highlight the safety issues.

Please do not allow this to go ahead as housing

Comment

Representation ID: 17206

Received: 08/10/2021

Respondent: Mrs Gillian Durkin

Number of people: 2

[Old St Lukes Site, Goldthorn Road, Wolverhampton WV2]

Unfortunately the situation with the Royal School traffic is already impossible.
Living on Goldthron means that we cant get to or from our own house morning or afternoons when parents drop off or pick up pupils. Traffic is at a stanstill coming up the road and down the road, meting in the middle and going nowhere. We can't get to park by our own houses as either parents are parked in front of our houses or drives and staff are also parked on the road instead of the staff car park. Verbal abuse, blaring horns and irate parents all make life unbearable.
In situations where ambulances or Fire Engines were needed it would be impossible for them to get through at these times. To add any traffic from the Goldthron Road site or Chetwynd Road would only make matters much worse, and adding more school buildings and more pupils would make matters worse.
I would be much better to use the field as a pick up and drop off car park and keep the road running freely. Any amount of housing in the area would also bring a lot more vehicles to the area with more road chaos.

Object

Representation ID: 17285

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Mrs Jane Perkins

Northycote Lane
There are various sites within Wolverhampton which have been derelict for a large number of years crying out to be developed.
There is not a lot of green space left in wolverhampton children and wildlife need this green space. especially after recent months green spaces have enabled people to have a safe peaceful place to retreat to and escape their 4 walls.
I personally feel it will be a big mistake to develop the fields on northycote lane. the traffic along this road is already horrendous.
You already have recent developments in the area that have provided new housing and roads to ease traffic congestion.
We do not need more housing or traffic in the area we need green spaces!

Object

Representation ID: 17355

Received: 08/10/2021

Respondent: Helen Leach

My husband and I oppose the proposed plans for building houses and accommodation on the green space
adjacent to the grapes pool and field side walk on Prouds Lane. With the recent pandemic emphasis has been
placed on taking care of our mental health and yet these proposals are taking away a beautiful slice of nature
that is on so many of our doorsteps. It is a beautiful, peaceful piece of land not only enjoyed by dog walkers
but also families and those who enjoy walking and being out in nature. It is a unique focal point of the Bilston
North area and the fact that this may be ruthlessly destroyed just to build more generic houses will be
devastating, not only for nature and the environment, but also the residents.

Object

Representation ID: 17415

Received: 29/09/2021

Respondent: Helen Stanley

I am writing to strongly object to the proposal to develop land at the former WEC site in Wolverhampton.
My objection relates to Table 43 - Wolverhampton Housing Allocations in the Black Country Plan page 608 BCP site ref WOH274 WTNA

This location is in my immediate neighbourhood and is set within the existing Smestow Valley Local Nature Reserve which is a fantastic outdoor asset to the local community and beyond. Wildlife thrives here including the protected greater crested newt which has been observed and photographed this summer in the vicinity of the area propsed for development.
The building of housing on this site - which was conveniently re-designated brownfield by Wolverhampton City Council due to there having been greenhouses previously on the site - will seriously impact the ecological balance of the surrounding land and wildlife. It is proposed to build 14 houses which previously were designated as luxury. This would mean that realistically at least 28 cars (probably far more) will be accessing the site by an access road which cuts straight across the boundary of the Local Nature Reserve. The pollution from cars and homes will be something that can never be reversed.
Furthermore, the immediate access roads leading to this site are narrow, winding and could not sustain the additional traffic generated by housing on this area.

This proposal seems to be in direct contradiction of objectives cited in BCP Wolverhampton summary which states on page 3 'In addition, we need to plan for:
How we will protect and enhance the historic and natural environment'
AND on page 6 which states:- 'Improvements to accessibility, biodiversity and environmental quality of green belt land at Smestow Valley Local Nature Reserve'
These objectives cannot happen if building is allowed to go ahead.

In my view, the perceived benefit of building just 14 houses within this highly valued Local Nature Reserve is far outweighed by the environmental damage which would be inflicted on the wider area.

Object

Representation ID: 17439

Received: 30/09/2021

Respondent: Steven Chilvers

Reference WOH274 WTNA - Development of former WEC site for 14 residential properties

Sirs,
l object strongly to any building development on the above mentioned land. Quite the opposite in fact.
It has been demonstrated that the biodiversity of the specific area around the pools has benefited greatly in the past few years from its exposure to the natural elements of nature. The contamination of noise, light and air pollution will have a negative impact upon the area.
In fact nature itself its beginning to take over the sites and Wolverhampton Council will be much
better represented if instead of planning a building site it were to positively invest in the location to nurture active biodiversity with the assistance of proffesional advice and an undoubtedly strong and available active volunteer workforce.
The area along the former railway, down to the canal and Smestow brook, back up to WEC has such a range of natural attractions that those of us that appreciate nature, who seek calmness from day to day stresses, and feelings of wellbeing. This area ticks all our boxes. From deer, and foxes to friendly robins, elegant herons, electric kingfishers and soaring buzzards this area is rapidly becoming a most diverse Local Nature Reserve to be appreciated by many Wolverhampton residents.
Why spoil the home of our Great Crested Newts for the sake of 14 houses. The council will gain more plaudits if it actively marketed its plan to encourage biodiversity in the City and its environs. During lockdown I, personally, sought refuge in the area, walking with my dog. What a great help to
to mental health that was.
I

So, finally, DON'T BUILD ON THE FORMER WEC, on the contrary, invest in the BIODIVERSITY,
make it an example of what our City of Wolverhampton can achieve in promoting a positive
approach towards the environment.

I
There are many brown field sites that may be developed, this is one that nature has already taken over. Full of buttercups last year it needs help not construction.

Object

Representation ID: 17580

Received: 30/09/2021

Respondent: Mrs Janet Whyman

In regarding of the site WOH260, I have lived [Redacted-GDPR]. Through the years I have seen a change for the better at that site. From school playing fields to now grazing for sheep/cows. It is an open space for all to enjoy young and old and they do. Simply stopping to look at the animals and feed them, many come from afar to walk past the site even local carer's pushing care home residents in wheel chairs which lifts their spirits then they carry on to Northicote Farm for refreshments, in recent years I have seen an increase in traffic around the site that being the development of the i54 and new homes being built on the old goodyear site, northicote high school was bulldozed to the ground to make way for new housing which is just streets away from the WOH260 site which after years of doing so is still not built, we have more pollution now because of the traffic issue around the streets leading off the site. This green site is a haven for people for their well being, for the wildlife it obtains of which their are many species, the next generation, to keep this site is very very important to us all, we see enough housing being built around us already taking up valuable green spaces. We do not want to live in a concrete jungle just to exist with no prospect of seeing green grass and the smelling of fresh air. We have got to make a stand against this proposal for all our wellbeing before its too late, let our future children and their children have something to be glad for, that we did keep this green space for them to enjoy, my own children enjoyed this green site, playing on there with their friends, this would be devastation to the environment that is around us if this were to happen, PLEASE PLEASE DON'T DO THIS.

Object

Representation ID: 17638

Received: 22/09/2021

Respondent: Mrs Pamela Ryan

Document: Black Country Plan
WOH 274 WTNA
W.E.C Wolverhampton Environmental Centre, Smestow Valley.
I would like to object to the prospect of housing being built on the site. It would lead to the loss of habitat for the wildlife the loss of amenity space which is part of the Smestow Valley Nature Reserve.
The former environmental centre has flourished and is a wildlife haven. The friends of the WEC page is used as a forum to share photographs of wildlife and flowers seen in the area.
I have seen all sorts of insects in the area and ponds including butterflies (I saw a [Redacted-sensitive information] 3 days ago), [Redacted-sensitive information].

There are many of species of wild birds including [Redacted-sensitive information]to name but a few.

The wild flowers include Wild Garlic, Fennel, Bluebells, Fox Gloves, Speedwell, Devils bit Scabios, Meadow Crane's-bill, Comfrey and St Johns Wort, Raspberry bushes and Blackberry bushes.

The many bees and insects reliant upon the ecosystem of the former WEC must be respected and allowed to continue to flourish. The area is enjoyed by individuals from all over Wolverhampton and beyond and is a great asset to families. During the lockdown period of the pandemic countless new families discovered the area and have continued to enjoy it since.

Access to the area of the WEC is by crossing the Railway walk at the entrance via the Tolkien gates. The gates themselves are a precious asset and serve to demonstrate the abundance of wildlife to be found within them.
Accessing the site by vehicle would endanger the users of the Railway Walk (cyclists, runners, children, dogs and their owners) and inevitably results in accidents and injuries.

Please do not take away this precious space.

Object

Representation ID: 17643

Received: 10/10/2021

Respondent: Mr Pamjit Ram

WOH194

there is already problems with traffic and there are safety concerns about children who attend the
royal school from speeding motorists; proposal will only make the situation worse.

Object

Representation ID: 17682

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Member of Parliament

[WOH273]

I want to object to the inclusion of the Mosely Road open space, also known as the Grapes Pool Field, in the draft plan at Table 43 Site WHO 273.

The Mosely Road open space is a much loved green field area, used for leisure and providing an important amenity for local people. There is widespread and strong opposition from residents locally at its inclusion as a proposed development site. Residents make the point - and I agree - that new housing should be focussed on the many brownfield sites in the Wolverhampton and wider Black Country area. Local people should not be forced to choose between the new housing the area needs and the green spaces we love. There are many former factory and other industrial sites in the Black Country and these should be used for houing development, not the small amount of precious green space we have. My objections are supported by all three councillors for the Bilston North ward where this land sits and by the vast majority of local residents. we would like to see this space removed from the draft plan.

Support

Representation ID: 17688

Received: 10/10/2021

Respondent: Mr Paul Allen

Regarding the proposal for the Old St Lukes site to potentially be used as housing and The Royal Wolverhampton School to develop a 6th Form Centre on site. I do agree with the councillors that a housing development would create huge traffic congestion in the area. I do support the expansion of the Royal Wolverhampton school on that site.

Comment

Representation ID: 17696

Received: 10/10/2021

Respondent: Mr Onwar Sunner

[WOH193 / WOH194 BCRA]

Goldthorn Road building homes would increase the traffic on Goldthorn Road resulting increased congestion particularly in school terms.

Safety would be further compromised due to increased traffic Goldthorn Road endangering Royal School children and Road users impact the value of housing on Goldthorn Road.
Concerned about increased noises littering crime and devaluation of Area.
this area should be used for the development of a 6th form centre and parking for the Royal School

Object

Representation ID: 17751

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Lynne Taylor

With so much brownfil land available in Wolverhampton it make very little sense to use green conservation land for development.
The roads servicing this land are already at saturation point. The main Penn rd, is already a major route for heavy goods vehicles, that already put residential area at risk of accidents.
Neither Vicarge Rd, or the end of Foxlands Ave, if either was used as access to any new site, is suitable. Buttons Farm Rd is already congested with cars parked on the rd, as drives, in most cases are only built to accommodate one car, allowing this land to be built on would increase traffic onto both B.F. Rd and Penin Rd.
St Barts school is already oversubscribed, as is Springdale, Warstones and, Woodfield Avenue, where will any children go to school?
The mayor of the West Midlands, advocates using brown fill land first, I can only hope and pray people considering this project, also consider this option first!!

Object

Representation ID: 17789

Received: 04/10/2021

Respondent: Mr Keith Jones

I would like to object to the proposal to build 95 homes directly behind Belton Avenue, and a further 88 homes on the council owned playing fields behind that. I also object to the proposal to build an additional 80 and 40 homes on the land currently used as farm land for grazing. The total of 303 homes would result in a further minimum of 600 cars would be added to our existing busy local roads and juctions.
Furthermore, my obections to building behind Belton Avenue are that presently we have an open green space aspect to the rear of our homes, which we have enjoyed for many years. The loss of this would greatly affect the quality of our lives.
The fields have a diversity of wildlife including, foxes, buzzards and many other wild birds which visit our bird feeding stations. The loss of the nearby trees will threaten the population of these local wild birds.
Many residents of our road choose to live and sleep in the rear of their properties to avoid the ever increasing excessive noise of road traffic. If so many new homes were to be built behind us, our quiet refuge would be at risk.
Finally, the building of houses on the green space behind us would certainly devalue our homes. Houses on our side of Belton Ave are sought after because of the rear aspect and are very quickly sold when they come on the market, this would obviously change

Object

Representation ID: 17824

Received: 10/10/2021

Respondent: Miss Kerry Wright

WOH274- Moseley Road Open Space

I object to land adjacent to the grapes pool being used to build houses. In this area there are no parks for children to use, 15-20 mins walk to nearest and this green area is a quiet spot for children & adults alike to use. The government want to reduce obesity in children but you want to develop areas of play for housing - doesn't make sense

Object

Representation ID: 17839

Received: 10/10/2021

Respondent: Mr Kewal Chahal

Do not agree with Bromwynd Close opening up from a cul de sac Chetwynd Rd gets heavily congested due to traffic. This would make a bad problem worse.
Needs to be a public hearing as one had not taken place.
Suggest all of the land to be given to Royal School for parking/6th form/future development and some green space for local residents

Object

Representation ID: 17846

Received: 09/10/2021

Respondent: Mrs Mary Hicks

[WHO273]

I have lived in this area for [x] years (all my life)
The gropes field has been part of daily life for all that time.
I played there as a child and my children and also grandchildren have also enjoyed it.
My children spent many lives playing on the field and during the recent summer holidays my granddaughter and her friends have used the fields everyday to meet up, socialise, football and to fish. Better than sitting indoors behind a screen.
We have spent some lovely winters playing the snow on Gropes Field
It is a beautiful place that must be preserved for future generations. this is a deprived sites and loosing the field would be a disaster. It is a safe beautiful place for families and is essential for our well being. This is the only green space we have left. It has been a life saver for people during lockdown.
The impact of extra traffic generated would create so much pollution in an already very busy road. The road is daily grind locked at peak times.
Please leave our field alone.

Object

Representation ID: 17848

Received: 07/10/2021

Respondent: Mr Peter Rowley

Local Authority Area - Wolverhampton
bcp-wolverhampton-summary
Land between Belton Avenue and Wood Hayes Road
I live in [REDACTED- GDPR] Wolverhampton. and have only just found out that you are proposing to build houses on the green belt land [REDACTED-GDPR] I strongly object to this proposal because green belt land should not be used for housing when there are plenty of ugly derelict sites and empty houses in Wolverhampton which could and should be used. The field [REDACTED-GDPR] has been used for many years to look after rescue horses which would otherwise be destroyed. There are little enough green spaces for people to enjoy in Wolverhampton without the Council wanting to use them for housing. More housing also means more traffic pollution and congestion on the roads which are far too busy already. Belton Avenue is used as a cut through between Cannock Road and Blackhalve Lane and is more of a main road than a residential street with streams of traffic constantly throughout the day. Putting more housing in this area will only increase the traffic problems/congestion already witnessed in this road. Wolverhamton Council haven't bothered resurfacing roads or keeping them in a good condition for years and the condition will only deteriorate more rapidly with extra cars using them.
The lanes in this area have always been frequently used for walks, including by myself and my family, enabling people to get exercise and breathe fresher air, and since the Covid pandemic even more people have taken to walking which for many has helped with their mental health. It is far more pleasant for people to walk in green areas rather than along busy, traffic filled roads.
In these times, when the environment is making headlines, the planting of more trees is something that is being encouraged and birds and insects are in decline, WE HAVE TO STOP USING GREEN BELT LAND and use the eyesore sites, of which there are many, in Wolverhampton.

Comment

Representation ID: 17869

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Mr Peter Stevens

I am well aware of the need to build many more houses nationally and locally, and particularly affordable new homes.
The specific proposal within the Black Country Plan which I wish to oppose in its current form is the old St Luke's school site previously accessed from Goldthorn Road [REDACTED-GDPR].
Traffic, and at the north end of the road especially, parking have already increased greatly in recent years in term time with developments at the Royal School since it became a now very successful free school.
Chetwynd Road, which would presumably have access to the site is quite a narrow suburban road and there are few driveways so both sides of the road are often lined with parked cars and moving vehicles are often restricted to a single lane. I believe there is also potential access from Cyprus Street off Upper Villiers Street.
Having considered the situation, and knowing the area quite well, I believe the currently proposed number of new homes is much too high and I support the recommendation I have seen that only that part of the site accessible from Cyprus Street and Chetwynd Road is used for housing- a significant reduction over the current plan.
The current Goldthorn Road access to the old St Luke's site would in my view be suitable for the creation of a Sixth Form Centre for the Royal School, with staff parking in front of it.
Also in line with widely held views at this time I would not want the existing playing field areas to be lost.

Object

Representation ID: 17879

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Doctor Brijinera Singh

Number of people: 3

My comments refer to the Vicarage Road (Penn) site. I gather that the consultation process is in order to remove the field at the bottom of Vicarage Road from the protection of conservation area status. I would like to object to this.
The view to the hills may will be spoilt if you were to continue. A detrimental effect may will result to local wildlife. We wonder if the ultimate purpose of this proposed change is to enable the building of homes on this land.
We object.
'We' in this instance, constitute myself, my wife [redacted] and daughter [redacted] all resident at [redacted].
Thank you

Object

Representation ID: 17917

Received: 09/10/2021

Respondent: Mr Kenneth Shepherd

I am in strong opposition to the plans to build 14 executive houses on the site of the former Wolverhampton Environment Centre (Ref: WOH274 WTNA, WEC Smestow Valley, Wolverhampton) due to it becoming one of my favourite places to spend time outdoors since it has been opened to the public. Many species of birds call the area their home and it's lovely to see them in a place which is a short walk from my home. I love to visit the area as a way to unwind the stresses of work after a hard day in my home office. It would be such a shame for the local residents if it was destroyed in order to house people who have the means to live pretty much anywhere they want in the area without removing a wonderful place for local people and especially local children to enjoy.

Section 5.10 of the BCP speaks of lower life expectancies in the Black Country than the rest of England. This is a powerful reason to keep the spaces that we have green to gain the benefits to mental and physical health from exercise and being in natural environments. Especially due to more working from home and the need to escape the house for a while.

In order for patients to be seen by a doctor in the Castlecroft Medical practice, you are required to call at 8am to book an appointment for the day. Unfortunately, the last time we needed an appointment for our 7 year old daughter it took 200 attempts to get through to the call system and then you have to wait on hold until you can speak to a receptionist in order to book an appointment. Once all of the appointments are gone for the day then you have to try again the next day. Adding more houses to the area will make this problem worse so I am deeply opposed to this development.

Brexit is a divisive subject but it has had an affect on the population of the area because people have left the area to return to their homelands and will also reduce population growth from immigration in the future due to the increased requirements of entry to the UK. The housing requirement figures are based on prior census population growth data that has been artificially inflated by immigration numbers. The growth predictions just draw lines through data points to get an idea of where we are going to be but the future figures are likely to be wrong as they haven't factored in Brexit's effect on population growth. We should probably wait until we have data from a least two more censuses before we destroy our green spaces and also be left with even more empty homes or partially used second homes.

Covid has changed the way that people work and many businesses have seen that their employees can still be productive working from home. This will mean that keeping an expensive city centre office will be a luxury that many companies will no longer feel is worth it. The empty office spaces are unlikely to be filled again given the sea change in working locations so a lot of prime space could become available for conversion to residential use, further easing the need to destroy the valuable green spaces we currently have available to us.

The access to the WEC site crosses a major walking route which is the Smestow valley nature reserve railway walk. Cars crossing the walking route will inevitably cause accidents and deaths if residential properties are allowed to be build on the site of the former Wolverhampton Environment Centre.

The change of classification to a brownfield site was a controversial action that many didn't agree with due to the site being an environmental centre that was used to grow flowers for the local parks. How can a site used to improve the environment be categorised alongside old factory sites which are blatantly brownfield? It doesn't really make sense unless your agenda is to make money from building houses.

Please be considerate of the local residents and don't build on the WEC site, many alternative true brownfield sites exist that would be a better fit than this proposal. Thank you.

Object

Representation ID: 17927

Received: 07/10/2021

Respondent: Mr Peter Connolly

I wish to object to the Bushbury strategic allocation site to build 532 houses.
The Council should exhaust all brown field and derelict sites before even thinking of giving planning
permission to use Green Field sites.
532 houses means at least another 1000+ people will be looking for doctors and dentists and schools,
is there any provision in the plans to accommodate this, other than the possibility of a primary school,
also the extra volume of traffic will cause problems in the area.

Comment

Representation ID: 17999

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Miss Michelle Webster

[Northicote]

I strongly object to the proposed building on the green fields near my home - Moseley Meadows and Northicote Farm. When my estate was built, it was on green belt land. There were many objections and the council promised at that time (around forty years ago) that no further green belt land would be built on. I have personally been walking through these local fields and Northicote farm for the last 20 years. I appreciate nature very much, it is why I chose to live where I do. son also loves walking around the area and is equally devasted to hear the fields may soon be built on. So many more people started walking around the local area during lockdown. If the fields are built on, I believe it will have a negative impact on the health and wellbeing of people in this area. It will also affect Northicote Farm and Woods, as with all the extra amount of people accessing the much smaller amount of land, more of it will be destroyed. Already there are far less blue bells than there used to be due to so many of the areas being regularly trodden on. It will also completely destroy the character of the area.

The road infrastructure will also not be able to cope. Even when there were temporary traffic lights errected recently on Northicote Lane, the traffic was queuing all the way back to the mini round about. There are a limited amount of routes out of the area due to the railway bridges. So increasing the traffic will have a very noticeable detrimental effect on the area.

There are also not enough local facilities for people who live in the area already. Our closest secondary school has been demolished. So have our local swimming baths and our community centre, as well as most of the local pubs. The GP practices are already overloaded meaning it is almost impossible to get an appointment to see a doctor. There is no local walk in centre either.

Yet I'm aware of plenty of empty buildings, derelict pubs and other unused patches of land, both locally and elsewhere in Wolverhampton, which could be used instead for housing. Surely these should be prioritised over precious greenbelt land.

The empty buildings over the shops in the city centre could also be converted into housing, so regenerating Wolverhampton city centre and making it a more welcoming, safer place to visit.

I strongly hope you will listen to the local Wolverhampton councillors, our local MP Jane Stevenson and our West Midlands Mayor Andy Street, who are all saying that it is important to consider brownfield sties first. They are saying that it should be possible to create enough extra homes and address Wolverhampton's housing need without destroying our greenbelt land. I strongly believe this greenbelt will be so needed, not just now but also for future generations to enjoy.

Object

Representation ID: 18118

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Mrs Mary Smith

I live very close to Smestow Valley Nature Reserve. It is a place of beauty and a vital reserve for animals and plants. In your document on P.581 you describe Smestow Valley as an 'important wedge of high value.....for wildlife and people'.
I am so glad you recognise its unique contribution to human health and wildlife diversity. It is indeed a vital and unique place. Unfortunately on P.608 your intention seems to be to build 14 houses in this precious, fragile and valuable location.
I cannot believe that you would threaten the future of this valuable reserve. It is obvious that this would be a totally inappropriate development. It would be the most damaging thing you could do to this unique Nature Reserve.
I therefore object strongly to this recommendation and ask that you too must review and discard this plan to build houses which would be a total disaster.

Object

Representation ID: 18173

Received: 07/10/2021

Respondent: Mr phillip allen

Wolverhampton Summary
Bushbury Strategic Allocation

The building of 532 homes in this area would in my opinion have a detrimental effect on the health and well being of the greater population of Bushbury we have very minimal areas of green open space to enjoy fresh air and local wildlfie. Even with the implementation of improved highways. I believe that traffic congestion and pollution will affect everyone in the area. Whilst I agree that housing is needed across the region it is not acceptable in green belt area. There will be an environmental issue to with regards to hedges, trees and wildlife including [Redacted-sensitive information].

Object

Representation ID: 18208

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Rev Philip Robertson

Black Country Plan - page 608, ref WOH274 WTNA,
WEC Smestow Valley, Wolverhampton.
Building houses in Smestow Valley would ruin natural habitat for a wide range of creatures. Such habitat is irreplaceable, regardless of any developer’s suggestions for ‘off set’ or ‘compensation’ schemes. There is no need to build houses on this land. Indeed, building houses on the land would be detrimental to the wellbeing of the wider community for it is used by a wide range of people for relaxation and for keeping both physically and mentally healthy.

Object

Representation ID: 18237

Received: 15/12/2021

Respondent: Ms Terri Weston

Smestow Valley

I write in response to the Black Country Plan consultation.
I live [Redacted-GDPR] in the Compton area of Wolverhampton. I dislike living in Wolverhampton even
though I am born and bred here. I don't like the city, I don't like the traffic, i don't like the pollution or
the drab appearance of the place, but most of all, I don't like the lack of green spaces or the lack of
opportunities for outdoor leisure. The reason I bought a house adjacent to Smestow Valley was to
enjoy it.
The Smestow Valley and WEC is the ONLY designated nature reserve within the city boundary. I walk,
run and cycle on the site outlined for development more than once per day. It is immensely popular
with people doing the same and it has only become more popular throughout the pandemic. Visit on
any day and you will find it full of people exercising. It is a peaceful oasis of natural land in an
otherwise drab, busy and ugly city. It encourages people to spend me in nature where people benefit
from exercise and a boost to their wellbeing. Wolverhampton has high rates of obesity, diabetes and
mental health illnesses too. For these reasons, I fail to understand any justification for building 14
houses on the site. Is it worth removing one of the VERY few green spaces we have to enjoy in
Wolverhampton for the sake of a few houses?
The ecological investigations into the eligibility of developing this site need to be reviewed since the
last surveys were carried out some years ago. There have been recent sightings of [Redacted-sensitive information] of the site.
Thank you for reading my response. I would be happy for you to contact me, if necessary.

Object

Representation ID: 18245

Received: 09/10/2021

Respondent: Valerie Morgan

I am truly saddened to hear that there is planned building work on the Wolverhampton Environmental Centre
I have lived here since
the old railway line and is now a walkway used by many people. [Information about specific species redacted to safeguard them] Myself and my husband walk a lot and, since the glass houses were demolished at WEC and the site opened for use for enjoyment, we use it to extend our walk. (In fact, since retirement, I have lost weight). I feel healthier and fitter than when I was working. The walking is free. I do not need a gym and weight machines. All of these beautiful walks are free of charge.
The ponds on the WEC are teeming with life and we have seen [species information removed], etc. The birdlife is fantastic too. We often bump into other walkers and dog owners; it is good to chat and talk about what we have seen. I am a keen gardener and some of the wild plants and flowers there are stunningly beautiful.
However, I am devastated to hear that houses may be built on this site. Surely the construction noise and traffic will drive away all of this nature? It will no doubt be fenced off and will stop people's enjoyment of this beautiful asset.
I take my grandchildren for walks and have done for years. It is such an education to be able to point out and name the trees, animals and flowers. Why remove a learning environment with such extensive beauty? Just for the sake of a few houses? Not even a lot of houses! The WEC site links so well with the other walkways, the canal and existing green belt.
There are constantly people walking, taking their dogs and taking photographs of the wildlife on this site. There is even a Facebook page dedicated to sharing news and photos. We discuss the beauty; the plants and animals we have seen. [species information removed] have been seen regularly. We never used to have [species information removed]! This site gives so much pleasure to so many people of all ages.
There are surely many more sites, brownfield sites, which are available in this city, without resorting to building on the WEC?
I want to object to this becoming a building site.
Please listen to local people. Please explore using other sites which are not so pretty and which are a blot on the landscape. There are so many derelict pubs and business premises which surely need demolition. Our city centre is becoming a laughing stock because of the amount of abandoned buildings and eyesores. The UTC site has become famous for its development and careful use. Can we not learn from that?
Rebuild our city. Let people live there, near their jobs and colleges, needing less transport to get them there. It means that safety in the city increases. The more people living there, the more presence of inhabitants, the less crime there will be. I totally support the use of our city for housing around local shops. We need the economy to be rebuilt in town. City living is to be encouraged as opposed to removal of wildlife.

Support

Representation ID: 18254

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Joshua Makelam

I am extremely relieved that 'The Seven Cornfields' will not be built upon and thank everyone who was involved in this decision. I am grateful to the council for their part and would like them to see that this area is never built on.