Policy WSA8 – Land between Queslett Road, Doe Bank Lane and Aldridge Road, Pheasey

Object

Representation ID: 10617

Received: 24/08/2021

Respondent: Mr David Smith

I object to the housing allocation proposal for this area as it will greatly effect an important area of green belt, which is within a conservation area, and has a high risk of impacting upon Grade II listed building, existing trees and hedges.

Comment

Representation ID: 10634

Received: 27/08/2021

Respondent: Mr John Edwards

This location has excellent access and should be expanded to take far more homes, road infrastructure is already in place and would have little impact on the area when being constructed.

Object

Representation ID: 10737

Received: 27/08/2021

Respondent: Stevelilart

I am writing to you on behalf of many concerned Great Barr/Streetly residents regarding the proposed housing development on the site of Doe Bank Lane/Queslett Road/Aldridge Road. The proposal is now open to public consultation, giving us the opportunity to provide our point of view until 11th October 2021:

There is a network of established hedgerows containing mature trees including oak and hawthorn
across this designated build site. Casual observation has uncovered 11 RED LISTED BIRD SPECIES on the proposed footprint: [Redacted-sensitive information] Also noted in a half mile radius: [Redacted-sensitive information] plus many more. [Redacted- sensitive information] are also frequently spotted in the spot but [Redacted-sensitive information] origins are unknown. This brief list is not taking into account plants and insects. It would be very interesting to read your ecology report.

Aside from the nature aspect and well being issues associated with green space there is the massive implications of additional traffic and the pollution that this will bring. The Queslett Road/ Aldridge Road and Beacon Road island is constantly grid locked now....and was one of the main reasons that Aldi had a planning application revoked. (That along with the fact they wanted to destroy mature woodland on the edge of the Queslett Nature Reserve) the community came together and voiced their objections then and will do again.

We have a sizable petition which currently has 4440 signatures and growing by the day: https://chng.it/wTKB8Mxh

There is also a Facebook "Save Barr Beacon Greenland"
page https://www.facebook.com/groups/2163943860526504/
We won't let our precious countryside go without an almighty fight!

The following items are taken from the government website:
Protecting the green belt :
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-rules-further-strengthen-green-belt-protections
Drawing on protections in the National Planning Policy Framework, to protect the green lungs
around towns and cities.
Green belt boundaries should only be altered in exceptional cases, through the preparation or
review of the Local Plan.
Communities Secretary Eric Pickles said:
I am crystal clear that the green belt must be protected from development, so it can
continue to offer a strong defence against urban sprawl.
Today’s new rules strengthen these protections further, and ensure that whether it’s new
homes, business premises or anything else, developers first look for suitable sites on
brownfield land.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-planning-policy-framework/13-protecting-green-beltland


13. Protecting Green Belt
land
137.
The government attaches great importance to Green Belts. The fundamental aim of Green Belt policy is to prevent urban sprawl by keeping land permanently open; the essential characteristics of Green Belts are their openness and their permanence.
138. Green Belt serves 5 purposes:
(a) to check the unrestricted sprawl of large built-up areas;
(b) to prevent neighbouring towns merging into one another;
(c) to assist in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment;
(d) to preserve the setting and special character of historic towns; and
(e) to assist in urban regeneration, by encouraging the recycling of derelict and other urban land.
Proposals affecting the Green Belt
147. Inappropriate development is, by definition, harmful to the Green Belt and should not be approved except in very special circumstances.

Object

Representation ID: 10891

Received: 16/09/2021

Respondent: Miss Jane Williams

Dear Dudley Council
I am writing to you on behalf of many concerned Great Barr/Streetly residents regarding the proposed housing development on the site of Doe Bank Lane/Queslett Road/Aldridge Road. As the proposal is now open to public consultation, it gives us the opportunity to provide our point of view until 11th October 2021:
There is a network of established hedgerows containing matures trees including oak and hawthorn across this designated build site. Casual observation has uncovered 11 RED LISTED BIRD SPECIES on the proposed footprint: [Redacted-sensitive information]. The following have also been noted in a half mile radius: [Redacted-sensitive information] plus many more. [Redacted-sensitive information]are also frequently spotted in the spot but [Redacted-sensitive information]origins are unknown. This brief list is not taking into account plants and insects. It would be very interesting to read your ecology report. Aside from the nature aspect and well-being issues associated with green space there is the massive implications of additional traffic and the pollution that this will bring. The Queslett Road/Aldridge Road and Beacon Road island is constantly grid locked now…. And was one of the main reasons that Aldi had a planning application revoked. (That along with the fact they wanted to destroy mature woodland on the edge of the Queslett Nature Reserve) the community came together and voiced their objections then and we will do it again. We have a sizable petition which currently has 4440 signatures and growing by the day: [Redacted-GDPR]
There is also a Facebook "Save Barr Beacon Greenland" page [Redacted-GDPR]
We won’t let our precious countryside go without an almighty fight!
The following items are taken from the government website:
Protecting the green belt:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-rules-further-strengthen-green-belt-protections?fbclid=IwAR0lcjT77xeXliW_Bs7pMnTP_Ptk2NTWI-45KBS4kH8dGNE1ZkHRAmVT-0E
Drawing on protections in the National Planning Policy Framework, to protect the green lungs around towns and cities.
Green belt boundaries should only be altered in exceptional cases, through the preparation or review of the Local Plan.
Communities Secretary Eric Pickles said: I am crystal clear that the green belt must be protected from development so it can continue to offer a strong defence against urban sprawl.
Today’s new rules strengthen these protections further, and ensure that whether it’s new homes, business premises or anything else, developers first look for suitable sites on brownfield land.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-planning-policy-framework/13-protecting-green-belt-land?fbclid=IwAR0tGlNBCfkh63NlqjtD1JTwEh78pDTXw5Gq08DOb70hON4t4O9GmXONMPk
13. Protecting Green Belt land
137. The government attaches great importance to Green Belts . The fundamental aim of Green Belt policy is to prevent urban sprawl by keeping land permanently open; the essential characteristics of Green Belts are their openness and their permanence.
138. Green Belt serves 5 purposes:
a) to check the unrestricted sprawl of large built-up areas;
b) to prevent neighbouring town merging into one another;
c) to assist in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment;
d) to preserve the setting and special character of historic towns; and
e) to assist in urban regeneration, by encouraging the recycling of derelict and other urban land.
Proposals affecting the Green Belt
147. Inappropriate development is, by definition, harmful to the Green Belt and should not be approved except in very special circumstances.

Comment

Representation ID: 10947

Received: 07/09/2021

Respondent: Miss Danielle Pitt

[Housing Queslett Rd/ Aldridge Rd]

I am commenting on the land use on Quselett/ Aldridge Road and the building of a large number of houses. My concerns raised are the impact this will have on the current schools which are over subscribed. Children in the area should not have to miss out on a local school and have to then get a bus to school. Children should be able to walk to school. Walking reduced childhood obesity and is good for a child's mental wellbeing. In out current climate public transport is dangerous for young children/teenagers. In addition to over subscribed schools we have our subscribed doctor's and dentist services. Once again impacting on children's health and mental well being. Increased car's in the area will all add to noise and environmental pollution. I believe the extent of houses suggested does not reflect the amenities available and reducing the green land available for future generations

Object

Representation ID: 11002

Received: 09/09/2021

Respondent: Mr Colin Bennett

[WAH234 GB1 Land between Queslett Road, Doe Bank Lane and Aldridge Road, Pheasey Neighbourhood Strategic Allocation Policy WSA8]

Dear Sir or Madam, I am objecting about the plan, that the Black Country planning is running out of Brown Field Sites and once again the fields between Queslett Road East, Doe Bank Lane and Aldridge Road Streetley.
Doe Bank is where boy racers use it. I would like to know how any increase in traffic in Doe Bank how will they get out of Aldridge Road is just a single traffic Road and if it all comes onto Queslett Road it will cause congestion it all ready a race track. My late wide and myself brought our house 62 years ago, why because of Greenfield and little lane.
Did you know that the trees in the fields are 100 years old. We have foxes, bats, rabbits, birds and other wild animals and there is also old mines there. After the last war there was old army trucks and owners of land were told to move them,. He did not do as he was told so Walsall made it Green Belt we have been fighting ever since. Coming back to the trees it helps with the carbon from the roads. These is also in a flight path. We were told that the Green Belt was there till 2028 before it can be looked at.

Object

Representation ID: 11090

Received: 22/09/2021

Respondent: Mr Philip Ryan

There is a not enough local infrastructure to support the current population. (School places, doctors appointments, bin collections, hospitals, traffic etc.). This development will require major investment by Walsall Council which will be paid for by us residents. I strongly object to this. The development will also threaten local wildlife as well as local beauty spots. As my home also enjoys views of this green belt area, this development will affect the price of my property

Object

Representation ID: 11163

Received: 24/09/2021

Respondent: Mr Arthur Mawby

It is virtually impossible at the moment to drive down Aldridge Rd when schools are opening or closing, so the building of hundreds of homes close by will be disastrous. In my opinion, find somewhere that has better access & exits to all roads, and leave us some green belt instead of moneytory pain.

Comment

Representation ID: 11200

Received: 26/09/2021

Respondent: Mrs Tracy Wilson

More houses increases volumes of traffic on surrounding areas that are already struggling. These issues are not been dealt with by local councils as the borders cross between Walsall and Birmingham along the Queslett Road

It is imperative that the council address this issue before any building work starts and implements measures without hesitation to improve flow of traffic.

In view of how many houses are been built, we are already struggling with the volumes of traffic since the addition of Netherhall, what are the councils proposals to alleviate this issue, More house means the Queslett Island (Asda) and the Buffett Island (the Trees) traffic will increase, it is already a big struggle to negotiate these Islands, would the council consider putting part-time traffic lights in at both islands to control the flow. During the hours of 7am to 7pm the Queslett island is non negotiable as it often gets blocked of by the volumes of traffic, even though there are painted road marks that state keep clear. The Buffett island struggles with traffic trying to exit the minor roads due the the high volume of traffic using the Queslett Road dual carriage way. I am not opposed to houses been built as long as the infrastructure is included in these plans. For every house built that brings an addition two or more cars to the surrounding area. These cars will be heading into Birmingham and to the Motorway junctions at the Scott Arms.
It is imperative that the council address this issue before any building work starts and implements measures without hesitation.

Object

Representation ID: 11222

Received: 27/09/2021

Respondent: Mr Rob Westwood

The local roads are already busy with large queues at peak times, another almost 1000 homes will overload the already busy roads at these times.

Comment

Representation ID: 11333

Received: 30/09/2021

Respondent: Mr Steve Shepherd

In my humble opinion the idea of up to 1200 new homes on the Queslett / Aldridge road site is frankly ludicrous. Based on the average family model this would mean at least an additional 4000 people residing in a what would be a large rabbit warren of an estate. Crime would increase and traffic would become horrific at already busy pinch points with at least an additional 1200 cars; probably far more as most families have 2 cars. Where would the children of these families go to school? Where would they shop? Sorry it’s just a silly idea.

Object

Representation ID: 11400

Received: 30/09/2021

Respondent: Mrs Melanie Knight

Green belt land in and around Streetly is vital for wildlife, mental and physical health and helps protect our community from being swallowed up by urban sprawl. The distinct character of Streetly will be ruined forever. We don’t have the infrastructure to support 970 new families. Please build on brownfield sites and leave our countryside alone.

Comment

Representation ID: 11514

Received: 02/10/2021

Respondent: Pam Woodhall

I have lived on Pheasey all my life, changes are being considered by those who don't live here. Please do not build on doebank lane or the fields off doebank park to beacon road. Have you ever driven over the beacon towards pheasey and taken in the magnificent views across the estate and across and towards the city of Birmingham? How could anyone want to obstruct that? Have a heart to how these proposed builds will have a dramatic impact on already stretched and overburdened services. Difficult to get a Drs appointment now? The schools are oversubscribed and pheasey jmi is already one of the largest primary schools in Walsall. The increase in traffic would be immense on an estate which is already busy as it's a central crossover point for the different boroughs. Last but not least, the greenbelt should be protected and remain untouchable, once someone starts to build it'll set a precedence for others to find loopholes to build whatever they want, for their own financial gain, and not just here but elsewhere too, no second thought given to what you or I think then. This isn't your future, but ours, or is it?
Thanks for listening.
P Woodhall

Object

Representation ID: 11555

Received: 06/10/2021

Respondent: Miss Linda Lloyd

The land between the pheasy estate and streetly is all fields. This plan will not be ‘protecting’ ‘enhancing designated areas’ as you will be destroying the fields here in order to build homes. Your plan is to also build 960 new houses on the queslett road east. Schools are already full in this area as well as doctors. People have to wait weeks for doctors appointments so how will an extra 960 houses help this situation.

Object

Representation ID: 11556

Received: 01/10/2021

Respondent: Kathy Ripley

Dear Sir/Madam
I have lived on Pheasey estate for 30 years and before that grew up in Streetly .
My family -parents ,sibling and my children have always treasured the countryside here that surrounds Barr Beacon .
We totally oppose the proposal to build by Queslett road /Aldridge road .We regularly walk by there and enjoy all of the wildlife that’s around,which obviously won’t survive if you build on there .During lockdown that was the saviour for our mental health to be able to walk and appreciate the views etc without having to drive .
There are many properties that are derelict,why not renovate those ?
The traffic is bad enough NOW around Bridle lane ,Doe Bank ,Queslett road and Aldridge road ,so by building more houses there will be even more pollution and traffic .
What about GP surgeries/dentists /schools /sewage need I go on ????
All of the above are struggling now so how can they take on hundreds more people ?
I really hope that you will re-consider the proposal and abandon it .

Object

Representation ID: 11594

Received: 07/10/2021

Respondent: Mr Gary Jones

Please read above

Object

Representation ID: 11622

Received: 29/09/2021

Respondent: Mrs Annie Tolley

Regarding your recent letter re Great Barr Conservation Area building plans and also for the Sutton Road and Calderfields areas. I strongly object to such a massive building plan being put forward. The following points are the reasons why;
1. Lack of suitable traffic management- HGV lorries already use this lane although this means motorists having to reverse if unfortunate enough to meet one
2. Lack of schools, surgeries in the area- more houses would be ridiculous as our schools are all over subscribed now.
3. Wildlife, hedgerows would all be destroyed- against what we are trying to do at present to reduce our carbon footprint.
4. The recent pandemic showed how vital it was for green spaces for people's well being. Building work obviously would greatly diminish this.
5. Traffic on the Sutton Road/ Beacon Rd/ Queslett Road is already packed beyond belief at rush hours and would certainly not cope with this influx of new premises
6. As a nation where a more plant based diet is being looked at - we need fields to grow produce not cover it with bricks & mortar.
Walsall has many derelict & disused properties including shops. I feel that your first port of call should be to reuse these before destroying the conservation and green belt areas.
I'm also concerned that many of the residents where this building work would affect have not been notified and only by word of mouth become aware of any of the proposals.
Finally when I looked online at the proposals it incorrectly states that "Little Oak Barn" is the major property. Pool House Farm is the original property on this land with the barn conversion "Little Oak Barn" being completed in the late 90's.
I feel very strongly that green belt & conservation land should be disregarded so easily. I feel that more could be done to make Walsall town centre more appealing before all the green that surrounds us is taken for developments which can not be supported by the local infrastructure.
I would urge the council to reconsider these proposals & to look at brown sites as the way forward to provide new homes.

Yours sincerely,
Mrs A Tolley

Object

Representation ID: 11646

Received: 07/10/2021

Respondent: Mr Roger Ingram

I strongly object to any building on green belt land, especially the proposals for 960 homes at Queslett Road East/Aldridge Road.

The area is ill equipped to deal with such an influx of housing and its consequences. We are already gridlocked twice daily when the school(s) open and close. I do not believe that the local school(s), Doctors and/or shopping facilities could cope with the additional influx.

In your plan you talk about "new defensible green belt" while also planning to destroy existing green belt. This gives me no faith that you will honour the green belt in the future.

Object

Representation ID: 11693

Received: 07/10/2021

Respondent: Mrs Jackie Blakeman

I object to the extent/size of the proposed site for 960 homes situated Queslett Rd East/Aldridge Rd.
Causing great concern for local residents wishing to protect our green spaces needed for our health and well-being.

Object

Representation ID: 11716

Received: 08/10/2021

Respondent: Mrs Christine Remedios

960 homes Housing development at Queslett/Aldridge Road : I object to the removal of the green belt designation which has been on the site since time immemorial. Such develpment will result in detrimental effects on the local environment due to 4000 + new inhabitants (which could include 1000 or more school aged children.) Increased traffic and queues at peak times = increased pollution = decrease in health for everyone especially children and elderly. Pressure on existing infrastructure will mean the expense of new schools, medical facilities and other services. Increases in Council Taxes for residents will be inevitable.

Object

Representation ID: 11804

Received: 09/10/2021

Respondent: Miss Kim Barrow

It would be dangerous to have a housing development on Queslett Road East between Doe Bank and Aldridge Road due to the speed of vehicles along Queslett Road East and the number of crashes and fatalities that have already happened. The road is too busy for new housing entrances and also will cause chaos with traffic, which already backs up along Aldridge Road during rush hour and school times especially.

Object

Representation ID: 11811

Received: 09/10/2021

Respondent: Mr John Farnham

I believe that our green spaces should remain green. Existing brown field sites should be used first along with redevlopment of vacant housing.
I also do not believe that current infrastructure (waste and water) can support larger developments in this plan.
On a more personal note the development planned for the fields between streetly and Pheasey will increase traffic and demand for services in the local area and reduce value of current housing near by.

Object

Representation ID: 11848

Received: 09/10/2021

Respondent: Mr Richard Knight

There does not appear to have been an assessment of the impact of this allocation as it is not present in the table provided in the independent sustainability assessment - table 7.2 summary of policy assessments. This means that the allocation has not been subject to the expected diligence. As a significant development (1426 homes) this assessment should be completed before it is included in the plan.

Object

Representation ID: 11893

Received: 10/10/2021

Respondent: Land and horse owners

Queslett road east/Aldridge road you can not intergrate Streetly with Pheasy as they are from 2 very different social backgrounds of people and do not mix there will be a 90% increase in crime rate caused by this. Also not just primary but secondary school places are scarce now without more houses, you can not get into the doctors now so no more spaces for new people.

Longwood lane You need to relocate the wildlife before you look there as animals can not read signs where they should and should not go the traffic is bad enough in the local.

Object

Representation ID: 11910

Received: 10/10/2021

Respondent: Mr Dean Mander

Relating to WAH234 & 250. Site Queslett Road East/Aldridge
I object to the use of green belt for housing
I object-to the number of vehicles this large development will bring to the area
The proposal brings no specifics to how any issues will be addressed.
The Aldridge and Beacon Road already struggles with the build up of commuter traffic and the Pheasey estate becomes an rabbit run to avoid which will be considerably worse with this proposal
Local schools cannot cope with current demand, and no specific proposal on this.

Object

Representation ID: 11947

Received: 10/10/2021

Respondent: Mrs Tracey Elsden

Please read my comments in full.
The process is flawed and I believe unlawful.
I object to this proposal for the following reasons:
Insufficient time has been given;
The natural beauty of the area will be destroyed;
Habitats and conservation will be adversely affected;
More pressure will be caused on traffic;
More pressure on school places;
More pressure on healthcare;
More crowded shops eg Asda;
Joining 2 areas to make one massive settlement ruins the character of each;
Impact on house prices;
The adverse impact on climate change, which is a massive global issue.
Protect the Green Belt always.

Comment

Representation ID: 12080

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Mrs Jayne Rose

Walsall development queslett road/doe bank lane/Aldridge road
A). Why are we not using brownfield sites first?
G) climate change? There will be more traffic in the area. We have established trees in our area including oak and hawthorn, hedgerows home to bird life and insects, both necessary for food and oxygen in the future.
H) the green belt where we live does promote and enhance our well being, especially during the pandemic. It is imperative for our mental health that the green belt is maintained and for reasons of environmental factors that buildings are not erected on it.

Object

Representation ID: 12098

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Mrs Jayne Rose

Walsall development queslett road/doe bank lane/Aldridge road
A). Why are we not using brownfield sites first?
G) climate change? There will be more traffic in the area. We have established trees in our area including oak and hawthorn, hedgerows home to bird life and insects, both necessary for food and oxygen in the future.
H) the green belt where we live does promote and enhance our well being, especially during the pandemic. It is imperative for our mental health that the green belt is maintained and for reasons of environmental factors that buildings are not erected on it.

Object

Representation ID: 12209

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Mrs Tracy Thurstan

Consultation started 16.08 but no info received until 3rd Oct and only after neighbour informed us.

Meeting held at Collingwood Cntr but not advertised in local community & nothing outside venue and only organised due to local councillor

Doe Bank Dairy Farm planning was rejected due to insufficient road infastructure but same road as proposed in Green Belt

Inaccurate info in document (no mention of Doe Bank Lane- told was typo then told no room for full road name in document

Dont agree with reducing conservation area - very important for residents

Object

Representation ID: 12231

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Mr and Mrs Nick Thurstan

Conservation area - important for local's well being and wildlife.

No consultation, doc received last minute and only after volunteers delivered documents, WMBC quick enough to send out bills but didnt bother to post out important info such as this plan to people affected by plans

incorrect info on plan ie no mention of DoeBank & when asked was told type then told could fit road name into document

Carbon footprint will be significantly reduced due to properties

Green belt area and conservation area - wrong to destroy

No notification of meeting at Collingwood, poorly advertised