Policy DSA1 Land South of Holbeach Lane /Wolverhampton Road, Kingswinford

Object

Representation ID: 18285

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Miss Rachel Whitehouse

The Triangle DUH 211 page 371
Holbeache DUH208 page 371

(1) Highways - impact on residents with traffic & transport issues.
- the current highways structure cannot sustain with the proposals for both 'The Triangle' and 'Holbeache'
- HIGH road congestion currently. The A449, A491 and A4101 are areas that get 'gridlocked' in morning and afternoons/evening peak. Regularly, the traffic lights (cross roads at Lodge Lane, Cot Lane, Swindon Road & Summerhill) cause massive delays. There is no possible way of widening/expanding these roads to improve them, due to how Wall Heath and Kingswinford are built.
- Road safety consequences - 900+ homes are proposed - 1000+ new residents with the average of 1-2 cars per household where are the car going to go if Wall Heath and Kingswinford already have transport issues.
- Very poor transport links from Wall Heath - poor rail access, nearest stations are Stourbridge junction (7 miles), Cradley Heath (6 miles), Wolverhampton (8 miles) to travel to by car/bus. We also have more limited bus routes i.e. no direct buses from Wall Heath to Russells Hall Hospital).
(2) Quality of Life - pollution (air, light & noises)
- Poorer air quality due to roads not being able to support the football of car or traffic. Increase in NO2 pollution is harmful and deadly. The neighbouring town of Wordsley has one of the highest levels of air pollution in the Dudley Borough L50ug IM3 - Wordsley High St).

Continued.

- Higher noise levels - impacting residents and wildlife
- Loss of open spaces with green belt - once it's gone it's gone
(3) Flood Risk
- currently, 'the triangle' land absorbs rain/ground water. It is a steep gradient of land. Once built on, it becomes concrete, less water being absorbed, so becomes a flood risk. This could potentially result in A449 at Heathbrock Farm Estate and lower end of Valley Fields estate (Maidendale Road) being flooded.
(4) Pressure on local facilities
- Not enough schools - only 2 primary schools in Wall Heath and both oversubscribed (already has potential to affect education)
- No nearby employment sites or networks - this means an increased in road traffic which Wall Heath and Kingswinford road infrastructure cannot cope with
- Not enough GPs, dentists, shops and emergency services - more houses means more people, in turn results in services put under strain.
(5) DESTRUCTION OF LOCAL ENVIRONMENT
- loss of wildlife corridors linking green spaces
- Areas of site of local importance for nature conservation (SLINC) - Ashwood Haye Fields (some of these perimeters including hedgerow are within proposals). Hedgerows all around Holbeache also part of SLINC.
- Historic area of Prestwood - locally designated Historic Landscape area.
- Loss of wildlife - [Redacted-sensitive information], in addition of loss of bees and butterflies.
- tree preservation orders are in place in these areas
- Holbeache House (Grade II listed) has high historic value to the area. There will be a major visual impact on the landscape surrounding it is built upon
- Proposals at 'The Triangle' border onto the important woodland 'Ridgehill Woods' that would be highly impacted.
- During lockdown, many locals used these areas to safely meet family and friends at a social distance. These green space areas help with mental health.

Object

Representation ID: 18289

Received: 10/10/2021

Respondent: Julia Emms

The Triangle BCP Site Ref DUH 211 page 371, DSA 2 pages 424-428 & HOLBEACHE BCP Site Ref DUH 208 page 371 DSA 2 pages 424-428.
We strongly object to these proposals.
Why are you proposing to build on these green belt sites? What exceptional circumstance is there that could allow this when there are still undeveloped brownfield sites in the borough?
Quoting from the Black Country Plan – ‘The BCP will ensure that the borough's network of open spaces will be protected and enhanced to support its natural assets and can continue to provide opportunities to improve health and well-being …..’
How is building on green belt protecting open spaces and enhancing and supporting natural assets?
How is taking away this green belt land which is used by many for exercise and recreation improving health and well being?
But the issue of equally serious concern is the impact on the local highways. Cars from 330 houses accessing the Holbeache site via the existing roundabout on the A449/A491 where traffic already backs up in all 3 existing directions? And the vehicles from 533 houses exiting from 3 potential points on the Triangle to try to get to work? The roads round here are almost gridlocked in rush hour as it is. We are no where near a mainline station or any existing or proposed parts of the metro so why build here? You need to build close to transport links. Building on these sites will compound the already horrendous problems of trying to commute from this area.
Yes, the plan says 'Housing growth in this part of the borough will be supported by a strengthened local infrastructure, including local highway improvements…’ but how can Summerhill be improved or widened to accommodate more traffic? What can be done at The Cross at Kingswinford? Dudley Road in Wall Heath and the A449 going through Wall Heath have properties on both sides of the road so what widening or improvements can be done to allow for so many additional local residents on the roads.
The plan also says pedestrian crossing improvements would be required on the A449 - yes that would be essential but would only delay traffic even more.
Extending the schools to cope? At what cost? The playing fields? More green space lost!
How will the local doctors and hospital cope - the situation is far from ideal already without the additional residents from 863 houses being brought into the mix.
Please remove these sites from this proposal - or is it too late? Pipework has already been put in at the Triangle and the houses at Holbeache are beong advertised - is this consulatation just lip service?

Object

Representation ID: 18296

Received: 10/10/2021

Respondent: Mr Julian Chambers

Back ground
It is stated that the plan has to be supported by robust evidence which will look at sustainability access to jobs and services and many other issues. Working with the NHS, Education Service and others in order to look at infrastructure needbefore we decide on sites. We will look to allocate sites for developement that are in the most sustainable locations in terms of transport and access to exisitng or new infrastructure.
We will look at infrastructure needs and opportunites before we decide on sites to ensure our road networks have capacity to accommodate development growth . We will look to ensure that sites are located in sustainable locations,with access to public transport links to reduce rerlaince on car usage.

With reference to New housing future green belt developmentparcels DUH 208 Holbeache and DUH 211 The Triangle.
As a general item the Black Country Plan has not been developed with regard to The current National Planning Policy Framework 20 July 2021.

I do not believe these sites are sustainable development.
Regarding transport The sites are not close to dual carriageway road network. The natural boundary of the A449 a main road link betweeen Kidderminster and through to `Wolverhampton . The road network inot Dudley Borough is also single carriageway A4101. This is also the main route to Russellls Hall Hospital. The main hospital serving the region . The route is heavily trafficked and emergency vehicles are severely hampered by this. Demands made greater since the closure of the maternity unit at Wordsley. Ths closure means additional services have to be provided outside the region at Worcester , New Cross and Queeen Elizabeth. A 45 minute journey at best.
In addition recent second tier developement in South Staffs at Kinver and Wombourne has further increased demand on roads to access retail , work , schools and health facilties.
Dudley as a whole suffers from a lack of suitable roads . The lack of comprehensive rail and bus routes also hinders sustainable developement.
Local neighbourhood shopping is limited with villages such as Wall Heath, Kingswinford and towns such as Stourbridge , Brierley Hill and Dudley having few options.These areas are not seved by the Metro route.
I do not believe NHS and Education services are sufficient to serve this developement.
I do not believe the plan has made sufficient consideration to infrastructure for transport, telecommunications, security , wasste management, water supply,waste water or floodc risk assessment.(still to be evaluated).

Object

Representation ID: 18305

Received: 09/10/2021

Respondent: Julie Robinson

Triangle in Swindon Road (DUH 211 p371) and land off Holbeach Lane, Wallheath (DUH 208 p371)

Do not want to lose countryside - there are plenty of brownfill sites - the greenbelt must be protected
There are no jobs in either locality - everyone will be required to commute
There will be a massive impact on the amount of traffic - it can already take 30-40 minutes to travel a 4 mile journey
Great concern about the capacity of Secondary and Primary Care Services. It is not just the matter of funding - there is already a shortage of medical staff. GP services are already receiving a battering from the media and patients regarding access to services - the proposal will just increase the problem
There will be pressure on local services
Additional polution - C02 emissions, noise polution - all impact on health and well-being
Road safety
Pressure on the education system

These will not be affordable homes

Object

Representation ID: 18307

Received: 10/10/2021

Respondent: Julie Whitehouse

Objection to: The Triangle – DUH 211 & Holbeach – DUH 208

I am extremely disappointed and frustrated that these particular areas of green belt have been selected as part of the Black Country Plan and I have to express my absolute outcry at the possibility of these areas being destroyed to make way for 863 new houses which we neither want or need in Wall Heath.

This village is beautiful, simple as. I am never one to stand in the way of change or understanding that we need to be progressive. Indeed, I had no objection to the recent housing developments of Himley View, Himley Meadows, the old brickworks, and the Stallings Lane quarry site. However, I do not believe that the 'easy option' of selecting green field as opposed to brown field sites is something that can be justified, especially when the infrastructure of Wall Heath is already close to breaking point, including highways, health, education and other services.

My specific reasons for my objection are:

Roads
The busy road network, particularly the A449 that passes through our village is a specific 'pinch point' where heavy congestion can be seen daily and this has a knock-on effect into other local roads e.g. Moss Grove, The Kingswinford Cross, High Street Kingswinford, Stallings Lane etc. The extra vehicles created by 863 new houses on these already congested roads, which are of course also taking traffic from the other newly-built housing estates I have referred to above, mean that the village will be nothing short of grid-lock for many hours in the day. Due to the nature of these roads and established housing, no additional road widening schemes could be considered, which in any event would only move the congestion problem on in a similar way to the road scheme at High Oak, Pensnett.

I also have serious concerns regarding the impact this increased congestion will have on accessibility for our emergency vehicles through the village, as well as:

1) Enhanced safety concerns particularly around local schools situated close to main roads e.g. Summerhill, Church of Ascension, The Glynne, St Marks etc;
2) Increased nuisance noise levels from traffic;
3) Increased levels of pollution from the additional vehicle numbers and standing/crawling traffic;
4) Drivers taking short cuts through surrounding estates to avoid congestion therefore spreading these potential negative issues across the wider community.

Public Transportation Services
There is not a suitable network of public transport within the immediate locality to alleviate the potential for increased traffic congestion and negative impact on the highways network which means that residents will be forced into their cars due to:

1) No rail or metro networks in the immediate vicinity;
2) Limited bus services;
3) No cycle networks.

Health Services
The village is already under pressure in terms of health services – we have seen Moss Grove Surgery already really struggle with appointment slots. This pressure will only increase by 863 new families (plus those from the other previously mentioned new developments). This includes:

1. Russells Hall hospital and its Accident & Emergency department which is already significantly stretched;
2. local GP practices where it is already difficult to obtain appointments (Moss Grove is already shipping patients and certain services, e.g. flu vaccinations, to Kinver practice);
3. Local dental practices, especially those offering NHS services. My children and my husband have for several years used a dentist in another town due to lack of availability;
4. Impact on ambulance waiting times;
5. Delays to hospital treatment / operations;
6. Delays to the already stretched mental health services which are so necessary, especially as we are now only starting to see the impact of COVID on some many people's mental health; services which are likely to be needed for a long time to come.

Education
I am very concerned that 863 new houses (and therefore families) will cause so much pressure on our local education services that local residents may no longer be able to get their children into their first-choice schools. We, as local residents and parents, should not have to settle for anything less than the school that our children want to go to and that are our nearest and therefore most convenient, both in terms of secondary & primary schools. Currently Wall Heath and Kingswinford schools are already at or nearing capacity (these solid-performing schools are one of the main 'draws' to our area).

Impact on other services
1) Public transport network (my daughter already struggles to get on overcrowded buses to get to college);
2) Insufficient local amenities for such a proposed increase in population e.g. parks, playgrounds, youth clubs, sports centres etc.

Environmental concerns
There is an obvious significant impact on the environment of developing two such well-established areas of green belt land with no obvious alternatives available in the immediate locality:
1) Loss of a significant number of trees and hedgerows in the area that offer shelter to our local wildlife;
2) Without the trees, hedgerows and natural foraging that Holbeach and the Triangle offer, we will undoubtedly see a significant impact on insects, birds, bats, foxes & butterflies to name a few. It is well known that larks frequent the Triangle for example;
3) Loss of flora & fauna with a negative impact on pollination cycles;
4) Increased CO2 production into the atmosphere;
5) General impact on mental well-being that these landscapes have always offered.

I therefore request that all aspects of my objection are given full and proper consideration with the sensible and logical conclusion being that these two areas are removed from any plans for future development.

Object

Representation ID: 18310

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Mr Ralph Homer

Draft BCP DUH208 pg 371 and DUH211 pg 371

Black Country Site Assessment Report Dudley Appendix A page 119 The Triangle SA 00225 DUD

I took part in the first petition objecting to this proposed development more than 50 years ago.
The reasons to object are even more pertinent today
(1) Loss of greenbelt, this should need no further discussion
(2) There is not the infrastructure in place to support this. Local roads are already gridlocked at peak times, trying to access the A491 road.
(3) Local GP surgeries are already very full
(4) In addition to the above, the severe impact of other local plan proposals adjacent to Dudley would be catastrophic with the potential for hundreds more houses.

Object

Representation ID: 18312

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Mr Eric Horwill

The continuing expansion of the Black Country is causing more and more pollution and loss of amenities. Loss of more trees and green areas means more Carbon Dioxide and less oxygen for healthy living. Bricks and concrete do not allow photosynthesis to take place!

Object

Representation ID: 18314

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Mr Errol John Smith

Holbeache
I would like to put forward my objection to this plan hta will further burden this village. additional population bring added problems of serious conjection all around.
Also the added burden on the local facilities such as school, doctors and pollution are causes to reject this proposal.
No real attempt has been made to help this village negotiate this problem as I see it. more, more people, more, more vehicles lesser air ametity and unreasonable strain on the fragile BIO DIVERSITY which we all depend on for future survival.

Object

Representation ID: 18320

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Mr Ray Clarke

DUH 208 pg 371
DUH 211 pg 371

The Triangle & Holbeach

Effect on schools there is already s shortage of places for pupils in the area. Greater number of children can only make it worse.
Effect on local doctor services and hospitals.
again these are already overloaded a greater population will make it worse.
Generally these plans always promise better facilities or new premises but they NEVER deliver and it ends up with everything the same as before.
Effect on road infrastructure.
Roads around Kingswinford and Wall Heath are congested and more people and cars can only MAKE THINGS WORSE.
EFFECT ON CAR PARKING
Car parking in local villages is bad now and will only get worse if this plan goes ahead. Plus parking around local schools when picking up or dropping off will become impossible to achieve or create chaos in the area.

Object

Representation ID: 18335

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Mrs Estelle Rhodes-Williams

I object because we do not have the infrastructure locally to support an increasing population. Where will resources such as water supply constantly come from? We do not have enough school places, Doctors, Dentists for an increased population. Traffic increase will lead to pollution and accidents - I object to this proposal.

Object

Representation ID: 18338

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Mr Matthew Baker

Holbeache DUH208

No to building on green belt/green space. No to adding to the already busy conjestion, our infrastructure won't cope.

Object

Representation ID: 18341

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Miss Esther Baker

Holbeache DUH 208
The Triangle DUH 211
I object to the development of the above mentioned green space / green belt.

Object

Representation ID: 18345

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Miss Eve Jackson

Holbeache DUH 208 page 371
I feel strongly about the infrastructure in wall heath, the roads can't take the traffic and the noise and light pollution will be horrendous. I've had to change dentists to Kinver because everywhere is full! And where will all the wildlife go? and the ancient hedgerows? They can't be replaced!!

Object

Representation ID: 18354

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Mr Matthew Beasley

Holbeache BCP Site Ref DUH208 p 371 (DSA1 pages 419-423)

- Myself, family and other residents do not want the increased congestion, extra air pollution and over crowded public transport, that these proposed sites will bring.
- Our local NHS facilities are struggling NOW.
- Why should our greenbelt be built on when there is so many brownfield sites in the black country that could be built on.

Object

Representation ID: 18363

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Mrs Rebecca Harding

Green Belt Sites -- The Triangle (DUH211) and Holbeache (DUH208)

19. I have signed the bulk objection for these two sites, but wish to make an additional point.

20. Brownfield sites that have been deemed as unviable, in the Key Sites Viability document, have the potential to deliver 2,615 houses. This is roughly three times the number of houses proposed to be built on the Triangle and Holbeache. This does not demonstrate the
exceptional circumstances required to release land from green belt for development.

Object

Representation ID: 18367

Received: 07/10/2021

Respondent: Mr Gary Whitehouse

The building of 533 in Swindon Road and 330 House South of Holbeache Road will be detrimental to the local area small devopement have a more condisered effect but an additional 2000 people when russells Hall, Doctors, Dentists Traffic problems and schools are ill thought out I went to A/E Russells hall 5 hrs. cannot get to see a doctor a month for a consultation no capacity at either secondry for schools in the immediate area meaning children will have to travel making traffic worse and more harmful greenhouses gases

Object

Representation ID: 18370

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Mr Gavin Haywood

I wish to object to the development for housing of the 2 sites known as Holbeache and The Triangle. The extra houses in the two areas would cause excessive traffic problems & pollution in the Kingswinford and Wallheath / Wordsley areas. The loss of the green areas would also push local wildlife to already diminishing green belt.

Object

Representation ID: 18371

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Mrs Rebecca Nock

I object to the new houses being built opposite Summerhill School because it spoils the green space we're lucky to have and why people enjoy living here. It will also add on to what is awful traffic that nobody seems bothered about and it will only get worse not to mention the damage to our health and the climate crisis.

My comments refer to Holbeach (DUH208) Triangle (DUH211)

Object

Representation ID: 18379

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Mr Richard Perrins

First and foremost I object to the proposed development of our local Greenbelt when there are brownfield sites more suitable/ fit for purpose, untouched in our region.
The land on site references DUH208 and 211 is very good agricultural land where crops are grown. The greenspace is so important for peoples health + well being, nobody wants to see it go. We hear a lot about how important it is to protect the environment and the green belt is supposed to be sacrosanct. This will also have a devastating impact on local wildlife species that call the land home.
The proposed development will have negative impacts on traffic, pollution, road traffic safety, education. Schools in the area are already at capacity and unable to accommodate a number of children who live a 'stones throw' away. We need to preserve our greenbelt!! Once it is gone, it is gone forever. The Tax paying residents of Wall Heath are entitled to have their say + deserve to be listened to!

Object

Representation ID: 18386

Received: 20/09/2021

Respondent: Mr Richard Stokes

Apart from the council being told by central government to build houses -> there is no positive reason for building on green belt in the area
Dudley borough is made up of large areas of industrial and built up areas, and the council should cherish small towns/villages on the western border (Stourbridge, Wall Heath, Kford etc). You seem to be determined to wreck them.
Many law abiding and decent residents of Kingswinford will be considering their future in the village if these proposals go ahead -> me included
Finally the councillors should try and drive from Kford to Stourbridge during the day (anytime) and the stupidly of the idea will become evident

Object

Representation ID: 18400

Received: 27/09/2021

Respondent: Mrs Rachel Barnett

THE TRIANGLE DUH 211
HOLBEACHE DUH 208

I have a strong objection for the proposed properties to be built on The Triangle DUH211 and Holbeache DUH 208 as the traffic congestion will increase, the schools, hospitals and definitely the doctors surgeries cannot cope with any more residents. We pride ourselves for being a stones throw away from our beautiful countryside and do not want this taken away. It will affect all the property prices in the area greatly. Totally do not wish these developments to go ahead.

Object

Representation ID: 18403

Received: 17/12/2021

Respondent: Mrs Rachel Chapman

Holbeache Site Ref DUH 208 p371
DSA 1 pages 419-423
The Triangle BCP Site Ref DUH211 p371
DSA 2 pages 424-428

I object to the housing development on the 2 proposed sites listed above. the destruction of the local environment + green belt; loss of ancient trees, natural habitats + biodiversity. The great outdoors has proven [invaluable] in recent months for local people's mental health + lockdowns - losing could create extra strain on NHS.

Object

Representation ID: 18412

Received: 04/10/2021

Respondent: Miss Rebekah Cherrington

We do not want to build on these greenspaces as we are already overpopulated.

SELECTED SITES TO OPPOSE
Bryce Road (Green Space)
SA-0050-DUD 1 BCP REF DUH 216 -
Severn Drive (Green Space)
SA-0199-DUD 1 BCP REF DUH222 -
Summerhill Triangle (Green Space)
SA-0025-DUD I BCP REF DUI-1211 -
Holbeache (Green Belt)
SA.0017-DUD I BCP REF DUH208 -
- Lapwood Avenue (Green Space)
SA-0042-DUD I BCP REF DUH213
Standhills (Green Space)
SA-0198-DUD I BCP REF DUH221 -
BCP REF DUH218 - Guys Lane
BCP REF 203 - Ketley Quarry (policy DSA3)

Object

Representation ID: 18415

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Mr Reece Brown

Holbeache Ref DUH208 pg 371
I am a new driver and the roads around where I live are used as a cut through to avoid the congested traffic in the high street it makes me nervous to go in my car. Adding several hundred cars to this area will cause chaos on our local roads.

Object

Representation ID: 18433

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Mr Richard Brown

Holbeche DUH208 Triangle DUH211
Traffic is the issue for me. I commute to Stourbridge daily and the roads cannot cope with the existing traffic. Adding another 500+ cars would destroy this village.
I regularly take my dog for a walk near Summerhill School and the areas to do this are gradually being pushed further away.
My youngest child attends [Redacted-GDPR]School and I worry for his safety using Lodge Lane daily with the increased traffic these houses will create.

Object

Representation ID: 18438

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Mr Richard Hammond

[Site Ref: DUH208/DSA1]

We live [Redacted-GDPR] in Wall Heath (Kingswinford) which is a very busy road during normal hours, as it's the A449 through road to Wolverhampton. Prior to lockdown for COVID19 the traffic was heavy during rush hour and school times, but since lockdown has eased, we have noticed that traffic appears to be heavier.
Developing a greenland at the end of Holbeache Rd and The Triangle off Swindon Rd/Lodge Lane will only increase traffic flow on all roads in the local area, with no way of diverting traffic around the area. In addition, increased population will require additional schooling, doctors, dentist, local shops & drainage requirement, without which all local existing services would be overloaded.
But the most significant issue is the significant increase in traffic which would cause delays and major safety concerns without a huge amount of Highways Agency input to to cater for this level of population increase, for which we and fellow neighbours object to this development.

Object

Representation ID: 18480

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Mr Robert Smith

Holbeache Lane/ Triangle Objections - Dudley MBC
(1) Road Infrastructure: local road already cannot cope with the volume of traffic at times Wall Heath and the A449. It will definitely cause mayhem if the houses are built. People already cut through the Mainsbridge estate which is a potential accident as these cars often do not slow down. If traffic increases this in turn will have an effect on the air quality causing health problems especially those with respiratory issues.
(2) Local services: there is already a strain on the local services with difficulties accessing the GP some patients having been directed to the Kinver surgery. Access to local hospital will be disrupted, with waiting times increasing.
(3) Schools: places are already unavailable to local residents. Further housing will add to this becoming more difficult with residents having to travel, this in turn causing more congestion within the area and in increase to poorer air quality.
(4) Local amenities: already poor quality parks in the area (Wall Heath), ditto youth centre ate Wall Heath, ditto sports centres or facilities
(5) Loss of the green belt and have an impact to the wildlife / environment. Brownfield sites should be used first before green belt. The Government committed to a 25 year plan to protect land of this quality and use the soil in a sustainable way. Building here would lead to a loss of wildlife. The world leaders and wildlife groups want us to protect our wildlife and their environment to prevent their decline or even loss of the wildlife. Dudley should be seen to working to help save our wildlife, not help in their extinction!

Object

Representation ID: 18486

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Mr Robert Wood

Holbeache Greenbelt BCP site ref DUH208 and DUH211 page 371 and DS41 pages 419-423
New proposed housing development opposite Lodge Lane and Swindon Lane Kingswinford known as Kingswinford Triangle.
I object to this proposal because of the following points:
- The roads in this area are already highly congested with traffic throughout the day and evening.
There will not be enough amenities to support the extra residents for example schools and doctors.
- Stripping the green belt will affect wildlife, destroying trees upsetting the environment we live in.
- There are many brownfield sites which are left uninhabited and derelict which could be used for housing

Object

Representation ID: 18524

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Mrs Rachael Langford

As a local resident of Wall Heath and Kingswinford I want to formally object to the proposal of building on the green belt land at Holbeach and the Summer Hill triangle.

There are a number of concerns
local services like, doctors, dentists and schools which are already stretched with appointments difficult to obtain and schools being over subscribed.
The traffic living on beachcroft road the traffic coming through Wall Heath at peak times is huge with traffic backing up from the Himley lights right through to the Swindon Road roundabout. Traffic pollution is a big concern along with the increased risk of collisions especially at the Beachcroft Road junction which is already a hot spot for this.

Finally the green space that we will be loosing as a result of this which will increase the risk of road flooding from surface water and taknig wat little space we havein the black country to enjoy for walks and nature which has been a heven for many during lockdown.

Object

Representation ID: 18539

Received: 08/10/2021

Respondent: Councillor Phil Atkins

Site References:
DUH 208 p371 - Holbeache


I strongly object to the above sites being included as part of the draft Black Country plan. This objection takes the form of multiple points.

1) Loss of the Greenbelt
- This is useful agricultural land which is graded 3 or above
- The visual character of the sites would change dramatically and forever
- Both sites act as a natural barrier preventing urban sprawl along the western edge of the borough.

2) Impact on Traffic and Transport
- These developments would add huge traffic burdens on already busy single lane'd roads
- There is currently only very limited public transport access and this is only available by road, no train or tram network exists in this part of the borough. the closest is well over 30mins drive away impacting again on the local road network.

3) Impact on Local Facilities & Infrastructure
- No local secondary schools have been earmarked for expansion, the closest that has is Crestwood located in Wordsley, how are students on the edge of wall heath supposed to access this school?
- No nearby employment hubs or areas of large scale employment.
- Primary schools are further than 15mins away from proposed sites
- Health Services like Primary Care and A&E are already under pressure with staff shortages, while funds may be put aside to build facilities how are the CCG going to staff them with the current nursing and doctor shortage.

4) Destruction of Local Environment
- Many Historical ancient Roman campsites occupy the green fields in the area, these could be forever destroyed should houses and foundations sit atop them.
- Loss of ancient trees, natural habitats and biodiversity
- Huge impact on climate and pollution with no way to provide additional clean travel means from this end of the borough.
- Reduced natural draining and increased flood risk from concreting over two large green sites.

5) Impact on residents health and well being
- Unwanted loss of outdoor recreational space for walking, playing and exploring
- the importance of outside spaces have been so hugely highlighted and it would be a travesty to destroy this.