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

Object

Representation ID: 12283

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Miss Abigail Wilkins

Objection to the planning in Kingswinford (Wall Heath)

1. Effect on road infrastructure: Roads into and around the Wall Heath and Kingswinford are already struggling to cope - they are heavily congested throughout the day and grid locked, with tailbacks, at peak times on major A491 and A449 routes. Based on 2.4 people per household, resident numbers will increase by 2071, not including the additional developments, existing and planned, in neighbouring areas (e.g. major improvements either). Households use multiple cars and vehicles, which will increase congestion to in an multiple 'shortcuts' through estates to avoid congestion. The road infrastructure through Wall Heath and Kingswinford cannot support an increase in traffic volume and new roads cannot be built to alleviate this without compromising more Green Belt.

2. Effect on road safety: Housing developments and increased traffic will seriously impact on road safety - for drivers and pedestrians. The elderly, infirmed and school children (primary and secondary) will be exposed to increased risks when crossing roads in multiple areas. Traffic control and extra pedestrian crossings will increase travel time further, adding to the existing issues with congestion.

3. Effect of increased congestion on public transport and air quality: public transport is limited to buses only in our area, with no other alternatives (rail is 30mins+). These services are already affected by the volume of traffic at peak times - especially routes along he A491. Increased congestion will impact on service times and reliability further, counteracting initiatives to encourage residents to use buses to reduce air pollution. Since Hansen rates parts of Kingswinford as having the worth commuting score from homes to places of employment, residents will have few alternatives but to use own transport, thereby adding to congestion and CO2 emissions. "Motorised road traffic is one of the greatest man-made contributions to carbon dioxide in the atmosphere" (Dudley Travel Plan). Particle pollution is also caused by tyres and brakes. By making our congested roads even worse, it will impact on local residents who are vulnerable to air pollution - older people, the young and those with chronic illnesses. The A491 feeds into Wordsley High Street as people travel to Stourbridge; already identified as having unsafe ait quality, where "Nitrogen Dioxide" has been measured as exceeding the national air quality of 40ug/m3

4. Effect on car parking for schools: Difficulties associated with carparking for local schools will increase. The plan refers to 'improving schools', however there is no space for carparking. By increasing the size of schools, this does not resolve the issues of double-parking along roads - increasing risks to children and residents in the area. Sites at Holbeache and the Triangle are not convenient to local schools through winter months - increasing further road use and congestion on the A441 and A491.

5. Effect on school admissions: There are insufficient school places for children across the area. For September 2021 admissions, the only secondary with places for Year 7 is Wordsley. Most other year groups are full. There are no places for reception in Wall Heath for 2021; only one school in Kingswinford with places. Creating spaces by enlarging existing schools will change the character of them, or force building that take away car-parking, play areas or fields.

Effect on NHS: There are not enough local doctors and dentists in the local area. Residents are being forces to travel out the area to access care. Wall Heath and Kingswinford have a number of elderly residents who cannot physically do this - due to their own capabilities and lack of public transport.
-pre-lockdown, the average waiting time at Russell's Hall was over 4 hours (2019). April '21 inspections show it still 'requires improvment'
-longer ambulance wait times (in 2020, the turnaround times reached 60mins)
-further delays in local health services, mental health services (rapidly growing), hospital treatment and operations for serious illness.

Effect on Mental Health: The green belt at Holbeach and the Triangle are much needed, open spaces for mental well-being. They are enjoyed by a large number of the community for walking and appreciating the natural environment. During lockdown, these two beautiful, open spaces helped to reduce anxiety and still continued to do so now. By building on these spaces - creating noise and air pollution, affecting the visual landscape and developing over several years - It will directly affect residents who need them. These two sites help to give residents pride in the area. As well as losing the space, additional stress will be created by light pollution and the building work itself will impact on residents, in terms of noise, traffic, visual and smell for a significant period of time (This will also impact on physical health - see point 3 above)

8. Loss of Green Belt; effect on Local wildlife and the environment: - all brownfield sites and disused buildings across all other areas of England should be identified to address the national housing need - imposing more housing in already a highly concentrated urban area, should not be expected to absorb yet more houses and have to release Green Belt at Wall Heath and Kingswinford because of imposed housing figures. This will create futher urban sprawl.
-If these two sites are developed, it would put the area at risk of being opened-up to further development by South Staffs in their preferred option plan. At present they prevent urban Sprawl along the Western edge of the Black Country
-Holbeache is VERY GOOD agricultural land - it is Grade 2, Where a range of crops can be grown. The Triangle is Grade 3, which is also useful agricultural land. Both reduce the need to import food into Birmingham and contribute to easing resource reliance. The government committed a 25-year plan to protect land of this quality and use the soil in a sustainable way (updated feb'21)
- The hedgerows all around Holbeache and a small plot to the left form a SLINC; The Triangle is also SLINC (Sites of Local Importance for Nature Conservation). Building here will mean loss of wildlife (sightings of owl, buzzards, a pair of red kites, bats - both protected); also, loss of bees and butterflies and biodiversity that wildlife corridors at both locations would be irreversible.
- Loss of ancient oak trees at the Triangle and ancient hedgerows at Holbeache. Many trees and have Tree Preservation Orders. This will contribute to climate change - replanting schemes will not replace ancient habitats and features of the local environment.
- Loss of yearly daffodils display. They add to the character of Wall Heath, are photographed across the region and create a " positive image" to enjoy (Ed Lawrence, Exp & Star March2020). The poppies on the Triangle made national news.
-Flood risk to both areas due to the gradient of the land - this will impact on drainage of the area and ground water.
- Local people appreciate the green belt through walks and cycle rides - there is huge opposition, both local and across the Midlands; we want to protect it for future generations.
9. Financial impacts: the proposed 'high value' housing will not solve issues linked to social housing (which is set between 10 - 30%). Kingswinford and Wall heath are being classed as 'growth areas' e34r other major towns with access to better infrastructures, schools and employment opportunities. There are little nearby employment sites or networks to support this.

10/ Impact on Historical characteristics: The area is connected with the Greensforge Roman Camp at the Triangle and Holbeach House (Wolverhampton Road)

Object

Representation ID: 12319

Received: 28/09/2021

Respondent: Mrs Barbara Bradley

DRAFT BLACK COUNTRY PLAN
HOLBEACHE DUH208
THE TRIANGLE DUH211
Local Authority Area Dudley
I am objecting to the proposal to build even more houses in Wall Heath area. This will not only take more of our Green belt away which is a part of our local amenities, there will also be a vast increase in traffic in and around wall heath especially the likes of ENVILLE ROAD also we already struggle with with seeing Doctors, Dentists, (schools) and parking around the area.
I don't think the local infrastructure will cope with the large amount of proposed dwellings.
HOLBEACH SITE DUH208
THE TRIANGLE DUH211

Object

Representation ID: 12321

Received: 02/10/2021

Respondent: Mrs Barbara Bury

DRAFT BLACKCOUNTRY PLAN
HOLBEACHE DUH208
THE TRIANGLE DUH211
we have little greenbelt left, although Brownfield available for me instead, certainly not enough schools, Doctors or Hospitals to take much more population, if any buildings are to be done then affordable homes are needed more than luxury homes

Object

Representation ID: 12326

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Mr Adam Austin

[DUH 208 Holbeache
DUH 211 The Triangle]

As a resident of Wallheath I'm extremely concerned about the proposed developments at Holbeache and the Triangle. Firstly these are 2 areas of natural beauty (+ greenbelt) that the local community use + enjoy particularly during the Covid lockdown, when everyone's mental health + wellbeing were suffering. Being a resident of Wallheath I also think the developments would kill the village as the infrastructure of the village could not cope. Both developments one intended to create 900 new houses + our already overcrowded schools, Dr's, Dentists + other local necessities would not be able to cope. However in my opinion the biggest threat ate the state of the roads + traffic chaos the development would cause in Wall Heath. Wall Heath is already a bottle neck for traffic due to the 2 mini-islands on top of each other in the village, which also being on top of a pedestrian crossing. At rush house the road through Wall Heath (A449) is already chaotic. Furthermore when I go to work or to places I drive from my street onto Beechurst Rd + attempt to turn right onto the A449, this turn can take an eternity due to traffic on the A449 at Rush hour sometimes I went to turn right, but cannot due to the amount of traffic already there to turn left instead finding an alternative convenient place to turn my vehicle around. Moreover the Local Authority are already aware of this traffic chaos as they have a 'no right turn; signs from the A449 onto my estate, as passing vehicles would be queuing for a considerable time to turn right, but would not be able to due to the stream of traffic coming in the opposite direction. when you think that the development will add 900 new homes with an average 2 vehicles per home this will add another 1,800 vehicles to an already dire traffic situation.
Finally local services such as Fire, Ambulance + police which are already overstretched would have considerable increased demands in Dudley due to the 'Backcountry Plan', Particularly Wall Heath due to the 900 new homes that would be created. I understand that there is not enough housing on our overpopulated island however if you look at the 'Black country plan' + the way it seeks to add on this problem, it is extremely flawed and short sighted. There are other alternative such as brownfield sites + are more suitable locations that would not result in the loss of greenbelt land + would not create such local opposition, as the majority of wall heath residents are opposed to these developments. I'm aware that development + progress need to take place, but this not the way, but like a lot of fellow Wall Heath residents I'm concerned that this process is a sham and decisions have already been made behind closed doors, but to watermains + pipes already being installed. If this plan is passed the people of wall heath will remember those in positions of local power who made this happen.

Object

Representation ID: 12340

Received: 05/10/2021

Respondent: Mrs Barbara Dutton

DRAFT BLACK COUNTRY PLAN
HOLBEACHE BCP SITE REF DUH208 PAGE 371 DSA1 PAGES 419-423
THE TRIANGLE BCP SITE REF DUH211 PAGE 371 DSA2 PAGES 424-428
Building these houses would not only put enormous pressure on the already struggling Russell Hall Hospital, but also the over subscribed Schools, Doctors & Dentist. The consequence for the environment and wildlife doesnt need me to spell out, it speaks for itself. Most houses will have at least 2 cars and the extra pressure on the roads between Kingswinford and Pensnett, through Wordsley to Stourbridge and the A449 doesn't bare thinking about.
On Thursday 30th Sept the queue to the lights in Wordsley was backed up Lawnswood Rd to Cot Lane and all the way back to Kingswinford from at least 8am to 9:05am (when I gave up). Unfortunately this is not a unusual occurrence. as the pollution levels at the lights in Wordsley are some of the worst in Dudley, how bad is it going to be with all the extra cars

Object

Representation ID: 12348

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Mr Adam Perry

[Holbeache BCP Site Ref DUH 208 Page371]
[Triangle BCP Site Ref DUH 211 Page 371]

I object to the proposed developments which could lead to an estimated population increase of over 2,000, where local amenities, roads, schools + wildlife are already in need of attention.

- NHS - not enough local doctors, dentists. Russels Hall requires improvement already (per 4/21 inspection). Effect on ambulances too

- Road Effect - already congested, increase in noise + CO2 for local residents, A449 already struggles + Local/. Village Roads are ripped apart from drivers cutting through. No rail network, no cycle network, limited buses so A449 will suffer further.

- Schools - are currently full or over subscribed (per ofstead 2019) no reception places in Wall Heath for 2021, so where will the new residents attend school?

-Greenbelt - All Brownfield sites should be used before greenbelt, hedgerows around the area from A 'SLINC' + are essential for wildlife, mental health + future generations

-Holbeache Land is Grade 2 agricultural land, protected by the government's 25 years plan to look after land of this quality + use the soil in a sustainable way.

-Holbeach House is a Grade II Building of significant value

- Light pollution + impact of building work on residents, schools + Businesses.

Object

Representation ID: 12355

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Mr Adrian Dutton

We have enough problems at present with adding to them by adding additional houses

1) Roads - At present people are queuing from Kingswinford to Stourbridge Ring Road every morning and from Stourbridge Ring Road to Wordsley every night.
Same applies to those going to Dudley and beyond they queue from Kingswinford to Russels Hall going and Russels Hall to Kingswinford on Return.
So adding extra traffic or the slightest problem the system grinds to a halt.

2) Schools are over crowded, and some children have to travel out of area.

3) Only one A&E department now Wordsley & Corbett have closed

4) Bus services are being cut (Stourbridge to Kinver) or reduced

5) Police Stn closed at Kingswinford, Ambulance Stn at Wordsley closed, Fire Station now on reduced Manning
So increasing population will surely overload a already overloaded infrastructure.

Object

Representation ID: 12358

Received: 28/08/2021

Respondent: Mr James Fildes

There are multiple problems with the building plans for these areas

The local NHS waiting time partly as a result of COVID but also pre covid is to long and will not be able to cope with this increasse. Local doctors surgeries dont have the parking or capacity for new patients as it is.

The local infrastructure is not setup nor suitable for the additional houses and traffic coming in and out, yet alone the buidling work vehicles. The main part of wall heath has long delays due to the "double islands" and these are in no way suitable for an additional influx of traffic. The main car park is wall heath for the COOP holds aroudn 40-50 cars and again would be significantly over crowded. Adding an additonal road ont othe major A449 causes significant risks to the car as has already seen following the one way system brought into place from the turning onto beachcroft road. There have been multiple accidents near holbeache house and this will not help.

THere are also not enough spaces for children to obtain places within the currentl school setup, and with the locations of the school again even if the school could accomodate this the road setup and parking situation is not suitable for an increase in traffic numbers. School places cannot cope with the existing so further demand will not help, this means families will have to commute further to schools and thus increasing emissions and travel delays.

If 81% of the sites found can be brownfield then why not the smallest proportion of houses also be moved to brownfield sites. The impact on the green belt is damming and brownfield sites should e considered. The local areas provide good aeras for people to walk within the short reach of the housing and allows people to take time away from the centre. Losing these areas would mean people then have to drive to nearby areas in order to walk or use the nicer outdoor areas. The impact on the local envionment through the construction, travel, infrastructure and waste will damage the areas considerably.

Object

Representation ID: 12374

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Wall Heath as One

Number of people: 7905

1. Effect on road infrastructure: Roads into and around Wall Heath and Kingswinford are already struggling to cope – they are heavily congested throughout the day and grid locked, with tailbacks, at peak times on major A491 and A449 routes. These have returned to pre-covid levels with residents incurring daily delays and inconvenience they severely hinder journey times once roadworks and essential maintenance to services are needed, highlighting in advance, the long-term issues that will occur should building plans go ahead. Based on 2.4 people per household, resident numbers will increase by 2071, not including the additional developments, existing and planned, in neighbouring areas (e.g. major developments within 2 miles at Stallings Lane and Ketley Quarry, which do not have infrastructure improvements either). Households use multiple cars and vehicles, which will increase congestion to in an unacceptable level – impacting further on local roads, villages and estates where drivers already use multiple ‘shortcuts’ through estates to avoid congestion (this again is at both sites – however at Holbeache, numerous cars were seen ‘cutting through’ Maidensbridge Estate during a Traffic survey in August ’21 – even though this is signposted as ‘no right turn’. The road infrastructure through Wall Heath and Kingswinford cannot support an increase in traffic volume and new roads cannot be built to alleviate this without compromising more Green Belt, e.g. the Wester Strategic Road. During our survey, 2500+ vehicles were counted within an hour on the A491 at Holbeache during peak morning traffic, despite the fact that is was also school holidays – it included several HGVs and large vehicles. The noise levels are already excessive for residents and will increase significantly. Feedback has shown how these proposals have unsettles those living close to the main roads – some feeling angered and considering leaving the area. There are real concerns about inevitable reductions in housing prices, particularly those nearest to the A491 and A449, as well discontent about the increased amount of tax payer’s money required to create and maintain highways for these new, large estates.

2. Effect on road safety: Housing developments and increased traffic will seriously impact on road safety – for drivers and pedestrians. The elderly infirmed and school children (primary and secondary) will be exposed to increased risks when crossing roads in multiple areas. On the A449, pupils are exposed to this on the way to Summerhill school (opposite the Triangle): this has no traffic control and also runs downhill (with no speed cameras). Lodge Lane is also already heavily double parked and concerns abut safety are high. Currently, there are insufficient pedestrian crossings throughout Wall Heath – crossing the A491 to catch the bus by the Holbeache site is extremely hazardous. Increasing necessary traffic control with much needed extra pedestrian crossings will affect travel time further, adding to the existing issues with congestion. Add to this the ‘human factor’ of drivers using these roads, where queues create frustration, impatience and anger. Just one example: From the Holbeache island down the A491 towards the lights at Stallings Lane, drivers take risks to avoid the ‘Keep Left’ Sign, often at speed, to join the shorter right hand queue. This puts pedestrians, including school children, at risk on crossings close to the Charterfields Estate. Currently, residents find increasing difficulty with access to and from homes. Queuing drivers are not always courteous, causing undue stress for homeowners trying to leave or turn into their drives. This will undoubtedly be exacerbated by increased congestion.

3. Effect of increased congestion on public transport and air quality: Public transport is limited to buses only in our area, with no other alternatives (rail is 30mins+). These are limited in connection and frequency – with no service even to the hospital from Wall Heath. These services are already affected by the volume of traffic at peak times – especially routes along the A491. Increased congestion will impact on service times and reliability further, counteracting initiatives to encourage residents to use buses to reduce air pollution Since Hansen rates parts of Kingswinford as having the worst commuting score from homes to places of employment, residents will have few alternatives but to use own transport, thereby adding to congestion and CO2 emissions. “Motorised road traffic is one of the greatest man-made contributions to carbon dioxide in the atmosphere “ (Dudley Travel Plan). Particle pollution is also caused by tyres and brakes. By making our congested roads even worse, it will impact on local residents who are vulnerable to air pollution – older people, the young and those with chronic illnesses. The A491 feeds into Wordsley High Street as people travel to Stourbridge; already identified as having unsafe air quality where “Nitrogen Dioxide has been measured as exceeding the national air quality objective of 40 ug/m3”

4. Effect on car parking for schools: Difficulties associated with carparking for local schools, this does not resolve the issues of double-parking along roads – increasing risks to children and residents in the area. Sites at Holbeache and the Triangle are not convenient to local schools through winter months – increasing further road use and congestion on the A441 and A491.

5. Effect on school admissions: There are insufficient school places for children across the area. For September 2021 admissions, the only secondary with places for year 7 is Wordsley. Most other year groups are full. There are no places for Reception in Wall Heath for 2021; only one school in Kingswinford with places. Creating spaces by enlarging existing schools will change the character of them, or force buildings that take away car-parking, play areas or fields. Many parents do not want super-size schools; neither do they want to risk not being able to get children into the school of their choice – this has been a problematic issue for years for residents on Maidensbirdge estate wanting to get children into Summerhill. Special needs schools will not suddenly become more available, and neither will places for adults with additional needs. Even through Dudley Appendix A (containing site assessments) states the possibility of building a school at the Triangle, again there is no guarantee due to ‘marginal viability’

6. Effect on NHS and emergency services:

- There are not enough local doctors and dentists in the local area. Residents are being forces to travel out the area to access care. Wall Heath and Kingswinford have a number of elderly residents who cannot physically do this – due to their own capabilities and lack of public transport.
- Pre-lockdown, the average waiting time at Russell’s Hall was over 4 hours (2019). April ’21 inspections show it still ‘requires improvement’
- Longer ambulance wait times (In 2020, the turnaround times reached 60 mins) – this will also increase with more road congestion, thereby risking lives
- Further delays in local health services, mental health services (rapidly growing), hospital treatment and operations for serious illness.
- Strain on our police services: Kingswinford Police Station was closed in 2017; now there are just six community police officers covering 3 wards. Residents are really concerned about increasing crime levels in the area, and these are confirmed by local statistics on Police.uk. Talking to people from all these sectors, we cannot see how these services will cope.

7. Effect on Mental Health: The green belt at Holbeache and the Triangle are much needed, open spaces for mental well-being. They are enjoyed by a large number of the community for walking and appreciating the natural environment. During lockdown, these two beautiful, open spaces helped to reduce anxiety and still continue to do so now. By building on these spaces – creating noise and air pollution, affecting the visual landscape and developing over several years – it will directly affect residents who need them. These two sites help give residents pride in the area. As well as losing the space, additional stress will be created by light pollution and the building work itself will impact on residents, in terms of noise, traffic, visual and smell for a significant period of time (this will also impact on physical health – see point 3 above). Many new residents in our area bought their houses here to get away from the urban sprawl that the Green Belt is meant to protect. They feel betrayed by these proposals.

8. Loss of Green Belt; Effect on local wildlife and the environment:

- All brownfield sites and disused buildings across all other areas of England should be identified to address the national housing need – imposing more housing in already urbanised areas will have further negative impact on the environment and residents. Dudley, which is already a highly concentrated urban area, should not be expected to absorb yet more houses and have to release Green Belt at Wall Heath and Kingswinford because of imposed housing figures and need in other boroughs. This will create further urban sprawl.
- If these two sites are developed, it would put the area at risk of being opened-up to further development by South Staffs in their preferred option plan. At present they prevent urban sprawl along the western edge of the Black country. Just before lockdown, a planning proposal was ‘accidentally’ found which mapped out an industrial park the size of 90 football pitches just metres behind people’s back gardens in Wall Heath. We are sandwiched between two authorities, both assessing the land around us to build on Green Belt. If we are asking South Staffordshire not to build up to border, then Dudley should not either. There is a genuine feeling through the community that the security of choosing a home and having confidence in the future of our environment has been lost.
- Holbeache is VERY GOOD agricultural land – it is Grade 2, where a range of crops can be grown. The Triangle is Grade 3, which is also useful agricultural land. Both reduce the need to import food into Birmingham and contribute to easing resource reliance. The Government committed a 25-year plan to land in the UK, global warming, with hotter summers and colder winters, has affected the quality of crops and subsequent fertility of the soil. Urban areas rely on imported food; here, we have good quality land which the government has a responsibility to protect.
- The hedgerows all around Holbeache and a small plot to the left form a SLINC; The Triangle is also SLINC (Sites of Local Importance for Nature Conservation). Building here will mean loss of wildlife (sighting of owls, buzzards, a pair of red kites, bats – both protected); also, loss of bees and butterflies and biodiversity that the linked wildlife corridors are tyring to protect due to declining numbers. Disrupting the wildlife corridors at both locations would be irreversible.
- Loss of ancient oak trees at the Triangle and ancient hedgerows at Holbeache. Many trees have Tree Preservation Orders. This will also contribute to climate change – replanting schemes will not replace ancient habitats and features of the local environment.
- Loss of yearly daffodils display. They ass to the character of Wall Heath, are photographed across the region and create “a positive image” to enjoy (Ed Lawrence, Exp & Star March 2020). The poppies on the Triangle made national news.
- Flood risk to both areas due to the gradient of the land – this will impact on drainage of the area and ground water.
- Local people appreciate the green belt through walks and cycle rides – there is huge opposition, both local and across the Midlands; we want to protect it for future generations.
- Consideration for the elderly at the residential homes at Holbeache House, who benefit from the environment that the green belt provides.

9. Financial Impacts: The proposed ‘high value’ housing will not solve issues inked to social housing (which is set between 10-30%). Kingswinford and Wall Heath are being classed as ‘growth areas’ – local residents were not consulted about this or the consequences of what it would mean for our small community. There are little nearby employment sires or networks to support this.

10. Impact on Historical Characteristics: The area is connected with the Greensforge Roman Camp at the Triangle and Holbeach House (Wolverhampton Road) – the latter of great historical importance.

Object

Representation ID: 12382

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: I Hart

1. Effect on road infrastructure: Roads into and around Wall Heath and Kingswinford are already struggling to cope – they are heavily congested throughout the day and grid locked, with tailbacks, at peak times on major A491 and A449 routes. These have returned to pre-covid levels with residents incurring daily delays and inconvenience they severely hinder journey times once roadworks and essential maintenance to services are needed, highlighting in advance, the long-term issues that will occur should building plans go ahead. Based on 2.4 people per household, resident numbers will increase by 2071, not including the additional developments, existing and planned, in neighbouring areas (e.g. major developments within 2 miles at Stallings Lane and Ketley Quarry, which do not have infrastructure improvements either). Households use multiple cars and vehicles, which will increase congestion to in an unacceptable level – impacting further on local roads, villages and estates where drivers already use multiple ‘shortcuts’ through estates to avoid congestion (this again is at both sites – however at Holbeache, numerous cars were seen ‘cutting through’ Maidensbridge Estate during a Traffic survey in August ’21 – even though this is signposted as ‘no right turn’. The road infrastructure through Wall Heath and Kingswinford cannot support an increase in traffic volume and new roads cannot be built to alleviate this without compromising more Green Belt, e.g. the Wester Strategic Road. During our survey, 2500+ vehicles were counted within an hour on the A491 at Holbeache during peak morning traffic, despite the fact that is was also school holidays – it included several HGVs and large vehicles. The noise levels are already excessive for residents and will increase significantly. Feedback has shown how these proposals have unsettles those living close to the main roads – some feeling angered and considering leaving the area. There are real concerns about inevitable reductions in housing prices, particularly those nearest to the A491 and A449, as well discontent about the increased amount of tax payer’s money required to create and maintain highways for these new, large estates.

2. Effect on road safety: Housing developments and increased traffic will seriously impact on road safety – for drivers and pedestrians. The elderly infirmed and school children (primary and secondary) will be exposed to increased risks when crossing roads in multiple areas. On the A449, pupils are exposed to this on the way to Summerhill school (opposite the Triangle): this has no traffic control and also runs downhill (with no speed cameras). Lodge Lane is also already heavily double parked and concerns abut safety are high. Currently, there are insufficient pedestrian crossings throughout Wall Heath – crossing the A491 to catch the bus by the Holbeache site is extremely hazardous. Increasing necessary traffic control with much needed extra pedestrian crossings will affect travel time further, adding to the existing issues with congestion. Add to this the ‘human factor’ of drivers using these roads, where queues create frustration, impatience and anger. Just one example: From the Holbeache island down the A491 towards the lights at Stallings Lane, drivers take risks to avoid the ‘Keep Left’ Sign, often at speed, to join the shorter right hand queue. This puts pedestrians, including school children, at risk on crossings close to the Charterfields Estate. Currently, residents find increasing difficulty with access to and from homes. Queuing drivers are not always courteous, causing undue stress for homeowners trying to leave or turn into their drives. This will undoubtedly be exacerbated by increased congestion.

3. Effect of increased congestion on public transport and air quality: Public transport is limited to buses only in our area, with no other alternatives (rail is 30mins+). These are limited in connection and frequency – with no service even to the hospital from Wall Heath. These services are already affected by the volume of traffic at peak times – especially routes along the A491. Increased congestion will impact on service times and reliability further, counteracting initiatives to encourage residents to use buses to reduce air pollution Since Hansen rates parts of Kingswinford as having the worst commuting score from homes to places of employment, residents will have few alternatives but to use own transport, thereby adding to congestion and CO2 emissions. “Motorised road traffic is one of the greatest man-made contributions to carbon dioxide in the atmosphere “ (Dudley Travel Plan). Particle pollution is also caused by tyres and brakes. By making our congested roads even worse, it will impact on local residents who are vulnerable to air pollution – older people, the young and those with chronic illnesses. The A491 feeds into Wordsley High Street as people travel to Stourbridge; already identified as having unsafe air quality where “Nitrogen Dioxide has been measured as exceeding the national air quality objective of 40 ug/m3”

4. Effect on car parking for schools: Difficulties associated with carparking for local schools, this does not resolve the issues of double-parking along roads – increasing risks to children and residents in the area. Sites at Holbeache and the Triangle are not convenient to local schools through winter months – increasing further road use and congestion on the A441 and A491.

5. Effect on school admissions: There are insufficient school places for children across the area. For September 2021 admissions, the only secondary with places for year 7 is Wordsley. Most other year groups are full. There are no places for Reception in Wall Heath for 2021; only one school in Kingswinford with places. Creating spaces by enlarging existing schools will change the character of them, or force buildings that take away car-parking, play areas or fields. Many parents do not want super-size schools; neither do they want to risk not being able to get children into the school of their choice – this has been a problematic issue for years for residents on Maidensbirdge estate wanting to get children into Summerhill. Special needs schools will not suddenly become more available, and neither will places for adults with additional needs. Even through Dudley Appendix A (containing site assessments) states the possibility of building a school at the Triangle, again there is no guarantee due to ‘marginal viability’

6. Effect on NHS and emergency services:

- There are not enough local doctors and dentists in the local area. Residents are being forces to travel out the area to access care. Wall Heath and Kingswinford have a number of elderly residents who cannot physically do this – due to their own capabilities and lack of public transport.
- Pre-lockdown, the average waiting time at Russell’s Hall was over 4 hours (2019). April ’21 inspections show it still ‘requires improvement’
- Longer ambulance wait times (In 2020, the turnaround times reached 60 mins) – this will also increase with more road congestion, thereby risking lives
- Further delays in local health services, mental health services (rapidly growing), hospital treatment and operations for serious illness.
- Strain on our police services: Kingswinford Police Station was closed in 2017; now there are just six community police officers covering 3 wards. Residents are really concerned about increasing crime levels in the area, and these are confirmed by local statistics on Police.uk. Talking to people from all these sectors, we cannot see how these services will cope.

7. Effect on Mental Health: The green belt at Holbeache and the Triangle are much needed, open spaces for mental well-being. They are enjoyed by a large number of the community for walking and appreciating the natural environment. During lockdown, these two beautiful, open spaces helped to reduce anxiety and still continue to do so now. By building on these spaces – creating noise and air pollution, affecting the visual landscape and developing over several years – it will directly affect residents who need them. These two sites help give residents pride in the area. As well as losing the space, additional stress will be created by light pollution and the building work itself will impact on residents, in terms of noise, traffic, visual and smell for a significant period of time (this will also impact on physical health – see point 3 above). Many new residents in our area bought their houses here to get away from the urban sprawl that the Green Belt is meant to protect. They feel betrayed by these proposals.

8. Loss of Green Belt; Effect on local wildlife and the environment:

- All brownfield sites and disused buildings across all other areas of England should be identified to address the national housing need – imposing more housing in already urbanised areas will have further negative impact on the environment and residents. Dudley, which is already a highly concentrated urban area, should not be expected to absorb yet more houses and have to release Green Belt at Wall Heath and Kingswinford because of imposed housing figures and need in other boroughs. This will create further urban sprawl.
- If these two sites are developed, it would put the area at risk of being opened-up to further development by South Staffs in their preferred option plan. At present they prevent urban sprawl along the western edge of the Black country. Just before lockdown, a planning proposal was ‘accidentally’ found which mapped out an industrial park the size of 90 football pitches just metres behind people’s back gardens in Wall Heath. We are sandwiched between two authorities, both assessing the land around us to build on Green Belt. If we are asking South Staffordshire not to build up to border, then Dudley should not either. There is a genuine feeling through the community that the security of choosing a home and having confidence in the future of our environment has been lost.
- Holbeache is VERY GOOD agricultural land – it is Grade 2, where a range of crops can be grown. The Triangle is Grade 3, which is also useful agricultural land. Both reduce the need to import food into Birmingham and contribute to easing resource reliance. The Government committed a 25-year plan to land in the UK, global warming, with hotter summers and colder winters, has affected the quality of crops and subsequent fertility of the soil. Urban areas rely on imported food; here, we have good quality land which the government has a responsibility to protect.
- The hedgerows all around Holbeache and a small plot to the left form a SLINC; The Triangle is also SLINC (Sites of Local Importance for Nature Conservation). Building here will mean loss of wildlife (sighting of owls, buzzards, a pair of red kites, bats – both protected); also, loss of bees and butterflies and biodiversity that the linked wildlife corridors are tyring to protect due to declining numbers. Disrupting the wildlife corridors at both locations would be irreversible.
- Loss of ancient oak trees at the Triangle and ancient hedgerows at Holbeache. Many trees have Tree Preservation Orders. This will also contribute to climate change – replanting schemes will not replace ancient habitats and features of the local environment.
- Loss of yearly daffodils display. They ass to the character of Wall Heath, are photographed across the region and create “a positive image” to enjoy (Ed Lawrence, Exp & Star March 2020). The poppies on the Triangle made national news.
- Flood risk to both areas due to the gradient of the land – this will impact on drainage of the area and ground water.
- Local people appreciate the green belt through walks and cycle rides – there is huge opposition, both local and across the Midlands; we want to protect it for future generations.
- Consideration for the elderly at the residential homes at Holbeache House, who benefit from the environment that the green belt provides.

9. Financial Impacts: The proposed ‘high value’ housing will not solve issues inked to social housing (which is set between 10-30%). Kingswinford and Wall Heath are being classed as ‘growth areas’ – local residents were not consulted about this or the consequences of what it would mean for our small community. There are little nearby employment sires or networks to support this.

10. Impact on Historical Characteristics: The area is connected with the Greensforge Roman Camp at the Triangle and Holbeach House (Wolverhampton Road) – the latter of great historical importance.

Object

Representation ID: 12385

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: K Babbge

1. Effect on road infrastructure: Roads into and around Wall Heath and Kingswinford are already struggling to cope – they are heavily congested throughout the day and grid locked, with tailbacks, at peak times on major A491 and A449 routes. These have returned to pre-covid levels with residents incurring daily delays and inconvenience they severely hinder journey times once roadworks and essential maintenance to services are needed, highlighting in advance, the long-term issues that will occur should building plans go ahead. Based on 2.4 people per household, resident numbers will increase by 2071, not including the additional developments, existing and planned, in neighbouring areas (e.g. major developments within 2 miles at Stallings Lane and Ketley Quarry, which do not have infrastructure improvements either). Households use multiple cars and vehicles, which will increase congestion to in an unacceptable level – impacting further on local roads, villages and estates where drivers already use multiple ‘shortcuts’ through estates to avoid congestion (this again is at both sites – however at Holbeache, numerous cars were seen ‘cutting through’ Maidensbridge Estate during a Traffic survey in August ’21 – even though this is signposted as ‘no right turn’. The road infrastructure through Wall Heath and Kingswinford cannot support an increase in traffic volume and new roads cannot be built to alleviate this without compromising more Green Belt, e.g. the Wester Strategic Road. During our survey, 2500+ vehicles were counted within an hour on the A491 at Holbeache during peak morning traffic, despite the fact that is was also school holidays – it included several HGVs and large vehicles. The noise levels are already excessive for residents and will increase significantly. Feedback has shown how these proposals have unsettles those living close to the main roads – some feeling angered and considering leaving the area. There are real concerns about inevitable reductions in housing prices, particularly those nearest to the A491 and A449, as well discontent about the increased amount of tax payer’s money required to create and maintain highways for these new, large estates.

2. Effect on road safety: Housing developments and increased traffic will seriously impact on road safety – for drivers and pedestrians. The elderly infirmed and school children (primary and secondary) will be exposed to increased risks when crossing roads in multiple areas. On the A449, pupils are exposed to this on the way to Summerhill school (opposite the Triangle): this has no traffic control and also runs downhill (with no speed cameras). Lodge Lane is also already heavily double parked and concerns abut safety are high. Currently, there are insufficient pedestrian crossings throughout Wall Heath – crossing the A491 to catch the bus by the Holbeache site is extremely hazardous. Increasing necessary traffic control with much needed extra pedestrian crossings will affect travel time further, adding to the existing issues with congestion. Add to this the ‘human factor’ of drivers using these roads, where queues create frustration, impatience and anger. Just one example: From the Holbeache island down the A491 towards the lights at Stallings Lane, drivers take risks to avoid the ‘Keep Left’ Sign, often at speed, to join the shorter right hand queue. This puts pedestrians, including school children, at risk on crossings close to the Charterfields Estate. Currently, residents find increasing difficulty with access to and from homes. Queuing drivers are not always courteous, causing undue stress for homeowners trying to leave or turn into their drives. This will undoubtedly be exacerbated by increased congestion.

3. Effect of increased congestion on public transport and air quality: Public transport is limited to buses only in our area, with no other alternatives (rail is 30mins+). These are limited in connection and frequency – with no service even to the hospital from Wall Heath. These services are already affected by the volume of traffic at peak times – especially routes along the A491. Increased congestion will impact on service times and reliability further, counteracting initiatives to encourage residents to use buses to reduce air pollution Since Hansen rates parts of Kingswinford as having the worst commuting score from homes to places of employment, residents will have few alternatives but to use own transport, thereby adding to congestion and CO2 emissions. “Motorised road traffic is one of the greatest man-made contributions to carbon dioxide in the atmosphere “ (Dudley Travel Plan). Particle pollution is also caused by tyres and brakes. By making our congested roads even worse, it will impact on local residents who are vulnerable to air pollution – older people, the young and those with chronic illnesses. The A491 feeds into Wordsley High Street as people travel to Stourbridge; already identified as having unsafe air quality where “Nitrogen Dioxide has been measured as exceeding the national air quality objective of 40 ug/m3”

4. Effect on car parking for schools: Difficulties associated with carparking for local schools, this does not resolve the issues of double-parking along roads – increasing risks to children and residents in the area. Sites at Holbeache and the Triangle are not convenient to local schools through winter months – increasing further road use and congestion on the A441 and A491.

5. Effect on school admissions: There are insufficient school places for children across the area. For September 2021 admissions, the only secondary with places for year 7 is Wordsley. Most other year groups are full. There are no places for Reception in Wall Heath for 2021; only one school in Kingswinford with places. Creating spaces by enlarging existing schools will change the character of them, or force buildings that take away car-parking, play areas or fields. Many parents do not want super-size schools; neither do they want to risk not being able to get children into the school of their choice – this has been a problematic issue for years for residents on Maidensbirdge estate wanting to get children into Summerhill. Special needs schools will not suddenly become more available, and neither will places for adults with additional needs. Even through Dudley Appendix A (containing site assessments) states the possibility of building a school at the Triangle, again there is no guarantee due to ‘marginal viability’

6. Effect on NHS and emergency services:

- There are not enough local doctors and dentists in the local area. Residents are being forces to travel out the area to access care. Wall Heath and Kingswinford have a number of elderly residents who cannot physically do this – due to their own capabilities and lack of public transport.
- Pre-lockdown, the average waiting time at Russell’s Hall was over 4 hours (2019). April ’21 inspections show it still ‘requires improvement’
- Longer ambulance wait times (In 2020, the turnaround times reached 60 mins) – this will also increase with more road congestion, thereby risking lives
- Further delays in local health services, mental health services (rapidly growing), hospital treatment and operations for serious illness.
- Strain on our police services: Kingswinford Police Station was closed in 2017; now there are just six community police officers covering 3 wards. Residents are really concerned about increasing crime levels in the area, and these are confirmed by local statistics on Police.uk. Talking to people from all these sectors, we cannot see how these services will cope.

7. Effect on Mental Health: The green belt at Holbeache and the Triangle are much needed, open spaces for mental well-being. They are enjoyed by a large number of the community for walking and appreciating the natural environment. During lockdown, these two beautiful, open spaces helped to reduce anxiety and still continue to do so now. By building on these spaces – creating noise and air pollution, affecting the visual landscape and developing over several years – it will directly affect residents who need them. These two sites help give residents pride in the area. As well as losing the space, additional stress will be created by light pollution and the building work itself will impact on residents, in terms of noise, traffic, visual and smell for a significant period of time (this will also impact on physical health – see point 3 above). Many new residents in our area bought their houses here to get away from the urban sprawl that the Green Belt is meant to protect. They feel betrayed by these proposals.

8. Loss of Green Belt; Effect on local wildlife and the environment:

- All brownfield sites and disused buildings across all other areas of England should be identified to address the national housing need – imposing more housing in already urbanised areas will have further negative impact on the environment and residents. Dudley, which is already a highly concentrated urban area, should not be expected to absorb yet more houses and have to release Green Belt at Wall Heath and Kingswinford because of imposed housing figures and need in other boroughs. This will create further urban sprawl.
- If these two sites are developed, it would put the area at risk of being opened-up to further development by South Staffs in their preferred option plan. At present they prevent urban sprawl along the western edge of the Black country. Just before lockdown, a planning proposal was ‘accidentally’ found which mapped out an industrial park the size of 90 football pitches just metres behind people’s back gardens in Wall Heath. We are sandwiched between two authorities, both assessing the land around us to build on Green Belt. If we are asking South Staffordshire not to build up to border, then Dudley should not either. There is a genuine feeling through the community that the security of choosing a home and having confidence in the future of our environment has been lost.
- Holbeache is VERY GOOD agricultural land – it is Grade 2, where a range of crops can be grown. The Triangle is Grade 3, which is also useful agricultural land. Both reduce the need to import food into Birmingham and contribute to easing resource reliance. The Government committed a 25-year plan to land in the UK, global warming, with hotter summers and colder winters, has affected the quality of crops and subsequent fertility of the soil. Urban areas rely on imported food; here, we have good quality land which the government has a responsibility to protect.
- The hedgerows all around Holbeache and a small plot to the left form a SLINC; The Triangle is also SLINC (Sites of Local Importance for Nature Conservation). Building here will mean loss of wildlife (sighting of owls, buzzards, a pair of red kites, bats – both protected); also, loss of bees and butterflies and biodiversity that the linked wildlife corridors are tyring to protect due to declining numbers. Disrupting the wildlife corridors at both locations would be irreversible.
- Loss of ancient oak trees at the Triangle and ancient hedgerows at Holbeache. Many trees have Tree Preservation Orders. This will also contribute to climate change – replanting schemes will not replace ancient habitats and features of the local environment.
- Loss of yearly daffodils display. They ass to the character of Wall Heath, are photographed across the region and create “a positive image” to enjoy (Ed Lawrence, Exp & Star March 2020). The poppies on the Triangle made national news.
- Flood risk to both areas due to the gradient of the land – this will impact on drainage of the area and ground water.
- Local people appreciate the green belt through walks and cycle rides – there is huge opposition, both local and across the Midlands; we want to protect it for future generations.
- Consideration for the elderly at the residential homes at Holbeache House, who benefit from the environment that the green belt provides.

9. Financial Impacts: The proposed ‘high value’ housing will not solve issues inked to social housing (which is set between 10-30%). Kingswinford and Wall Heath are being classed as ‘growth areas’ – local residents were not consulted about this or the consequences of what it would mean for our small community. There are little nearby employment sires or networks to support this.

10. Impact on Historical Characteristics: The area is connected with the Greensforge Roman Camp at the Triangle and Holbeach House (Wolverhampton Road) – the latter of great historical importance.

Object

Representation ID: 12387

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: P Waterbray

1. Effect on road infrastructure: Roads into and around Wall Heath and Kingswinford are already struggling to cope – they are heavily congested throughout the day and grid locked, with tailbacks, at peak times on major A491 and A449 routes. These have returned to pre-covid levels with residents incurring daily delays and inconvenience they severely hinder journey times once roadworks and essential maintenance to services are needed, highlighting in advance, the long-term issues that will occur should building plans go ahead. Based on 2.4 people per household, resident numbers will increase by 2071, not including the additional developments, existing and planned, in neighbouring areas (e.g. major developments within 2 miles at Stallings Lane and Ketley Quarry, which do not have infrastructure improvements either). Households use multiple cars and vehicles, which will increase congestion to in an unacceptable level – impacting further on local roads, villages and estates where drivers already use multiple ‘shortcuts’ through estates to avoid congestion (this again is at both sites – however at Holbeache, numerous cars were seen ‘cutting through’ Maidensbridge Estate during a Traffic survey in August ’21 – even though this is signposted as ‘no right turn’. The road infrastructure through Wall Heath and Kingswinford cannot support an increase in traffic volume and new roads cannot be built to alleviate this without compromising more Green Belt, e.g. the Wester Strategic Road. During our survey, 2500+ vehicles were counted within an hour on the A491 at Holbeache during peak morning traffic, despite the fact that is was also school holidays – it included several HGVs and large vehicles. The noise levels are already excessive for residents and will increase significantly. Feedback has shown how these proposals have unsettles those living close to the main roads – some feeling angered and considering leaving the area. There are real concerns about inevitable reductions in housing prices, particularly those nearest to the A491 and A449, as well discontent about the increased amount of tax payer’s money required to create and maintain highways for these new, large estates.

2. Effect on road safety: Housing developments and increased traffic will seriously impact on road safety – for drivers and pedestrians. The elderly infirmed and school children (primary and secondary) will be exposed to increased risks when crossing roads in multiple areas. On the A449, pupils are exposed to this on the way to Summerhill school (opposite the Triangle): this has no traffic control and also runs downhill (with no speed cameras). Lodge Lane is also already heavily double parked and concerns abut safety are high. Currently, there are insufficient pedestrian crossings throughout Wall Heath – crossing the A491 to catch the bus by the Holbeache site is extremely hazardous. Increasing necessary traffic control with much needed extra pedestrian crossings will affect travel time further, adding to the existing issues with congestion. Add to this the ‘human factor’ of drivers using these roads, where queues create frustration, impatience and anger. Just one example: From the Holbeache island down the A491 towards the lights at Stallings Lane, drivers take risks to avoid the ‘Keep Left’ Sign, often at speed, to join the shorter right hand queue. This puts pedestrians, including school children, at risk on crossings close to the Charterfields Estate. Currently, residents find increasing difficulty with access to and from homes. Queuing drivers are not always courteous, causing undue stress for homeowners trying to leave or turn into their drives. This will undoubtedly be exacerbated by increased congestion.

3. Effect of increased congestion on public transport and air quality: Public transport is limited to buses only in our area, with no other alternatives (rail is 30mins+). These are limited in connection and frequency – with no service even to the hospital from Wall Heath. These services are already affected by the volume of traffic at peak times – especially routes along the A491. Increased congestion will impact on service times and reliability further, counteracting initiatives to encourage residents to use buses to reduce air pollution Since Hansen rates parts of Kingswinford as having the worst commuting score from homes to places of employment, residents will have few alternatives but to use own transport, thereby adding to congestion and CO2 emissions. “Motorised road traffic is one of the greatest man-made contributions to carbon dioxide in the atmosphere “ (Dudley Travel Plan). Particle pollution is also caused by tyres and brakes. By making our congested roads even worse, it will impact on local residents who are vulnerable to air pollution – older people, the young and those with chronic illnesses. The A491 feeds into Wordsley High Street as people travel to Stourbridge; already identified as having unsafe air quality where “Nitrogen Dioxide has been measured as exceeding the national air quality objective of 40 ug/m3”

4. Effect on car parking for schools: Difficulties associated with carparking for local schools, this does not resolve the issues of double-parking along roads – increasing risks to children and residents in the area. Sites at Holbeache and the Triangle are not convenient to local schools through winter months – increasing further road use and congestion on the A441 and A491.

5. Effect on school admissions: There are insufficient school places for children across the area. For September 2021 admissions, the only secondary with places for year 7 is Wordsley. Most other year groups are full. There are no places for Reception in Wall Heath for 2021; only one school in Kingswinford with places. Creating spaces by enlarging existing schools will change the character of them, or force buildings that take away car-parking, play areas or fields. Many parents do not want super-size schools; neither do they want to risk not being able to get children into the school of their choice – this has been a problematic issue for years for residents on Maidensbirdge estate wanting to get children into Summerhill. Special needs schools will not suddenly become more available, and neither will places for adults with additional needs. Even through Dudley Appendix A (containing site assessments) states the possibility of building a school at the Triangle, again there is no guarantee due to ‘marginal viability’

6. Effect on NHS and emergency services:

- There are not enough local doctors and dentists in the local area. Residents are being forces to travel out the area to access care. Wall Heath and Kingswinford have a number of elderly residents who cannot physically do this – due to their own capabilities and lack of public transport.
- Pre-lockdown, the average waiting time at Russell’s Hall was over 4 hours (2019). April ’21 inspections show it still ‘requires improvement’
- Longer ambulance wait times (In 2020, the turnaround times reached 60 mins) – this will also increase with more road congestion, thereby risking lives
- Further delays in local health services, mental health services (rapidly growing), hospital treatment and operations for serious illness.
- Strain on our police services: Kingswinford Police Station was closed in 2017; now there are just six community police officers covering 3 wards. Residents are really concerned about increasing crime levels in the area, and these are confirmed by local statistics on Police.uk. Talking to people from all these sectors, we cannot see how these services will cope.

7. Effect on Mental Health: The green belt at Holbeache and the Triangle are much needed, open spaces for mental well-being. They are enjoyed by a large number of the community for walking and appreciating the natural environment. During lockdown, these two beautiful, open spaces helped to reduce anxiety and still continue to do so now. By building on these spaces – creating noise and air pollution, affecting the visual landscape and developing over several years – it will directly affect residents who need them. These two sites help give residents pride in the area. As well as losing the space, additional stress will be created by light pollution and the building work itself will impact on residents, in terms of noise, traffic, visual and smell for a significant period of time (this will also impact on physical health – see point 3 above). Many new residents in our area bought their houses here to get away from the urban sprawl that the Green Belt is meant to protect. They feel betrayed by these proposals.

8. Loss of Green Belt; Effect on local wildlife and the environment:

- All brownfield sites and disused buildings across all other areas of England should be identified to address the national housing need – imposing more housing in already urbanised areas will have further negative impact on the environment and residents. Dudley, which is already a highly concentrated urban area, should not be expected to absorb yet more houses and have to release Green Belt at Wall Heath and Kingswinford because of imposed housing figures and need in other boroughs. This will create further urban sprawl.
- If these two sites are developed, it would put the area at risk of being opened-up to further development by South Staffs in their preferred option plan. At present they prevent urban sprawl along the western edge of the Black country. Just before lockdown, a planning proposal was ‘accidentally’ found which mapped out an industrial park the size of 90 football pitches just metres behind people’s back gardens in Wall Heath. We are sandwiched between two authorities, both assessing the land around us to build on Green Belt. If we are asking South Staffordshire not to build up to border, then Dudley should not either. There is a genuine feeling through the community that the security of choosing a home and having confidence in the future of our environment has been lost.
- Holbeache is VERY GOOD agricultural land – it is Grade 2, where a range of crops can be grown. The Triangle is Grade 3, which is also useful agricultural land. Both reduce the need to import food into Birmingham and contribute to easing resource reliance. The Government committed a 25-year plan to land in the UK, global warming, with hotter summers and colder winters, has affected the quality of crops and subsequent fertility of the soil. Urban areas rely on imported food; here, we have good quality land which the government has a responsibility to protect.
- The hedgerows all around Holbeache and a small plot to the left form a SLINC; The Triangle is also SLINC (Sites of Local Importance for Nature Conservation). Building here will mean loss of wildlife (sighting of owls, buzzards, a pair of red kites, bats – both protected); also, loss of bees and butterflies and biodiversity that the linked wildlife corridors are tyring to protect due to declining numbers. Disrupting the wildlife corridors at both locations would be irreversible.
- Loss of ancient oak trees at the Triangle and ancient hedgerows at Holbeache. Many trees have Tree Preservation Orders. This will also contribute to climate change – replanting schemes will not replace ancient habitats and features of the local environment.
- Loss of yearly daffodils display. They ass to the character of Wall Heath, are photographed across the region and create “a positive image” to enjoy (Ed Lawrence, Exp & Star March 2020). The poppies on the Triangle made national news.
- Flood risk to both areas due to the gradient of the land – this will impact on drainage of the area and ground water.
- Local people appreciate the green belt through walks and cycle rides – there is huge opposition, both local and across the Midlands; we want to protect it for future generations.
- Consideration for the elderly at the residential homes at Holbeache House, who benefit from the environment that the green belt provides.

9. Financial Impacts: The proposed ‘high value’ housing will not solve issues inked to social housing (which is set between 10-30%). Kingswinford and Wall Heath are being classed as ‘growth areas’ – local residents were not consulted about this or the consequences of what it would mean for our small community. There are little nearby employment sires or networks to support this.

10. Impact on Historical Characteristics: The area is connected with the Greensforge Roman Camp at the Triangle and Holbeach House (Wolverhampton Road) – the latter of great historical importance.

Object

Representation ID: 12389

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: s Weaver

1. Effect on road infrastructure: Roads into and around Wall Heath and Kingswinford are already struggling to cope – they are heavily congested throughout the day and grid locked, with tailbacks, at peak times on major A491 and A449 routes. These have returned to pre-covid levels with residents incurring daily delays and inconvenience they severely hinder journey times once roadworks and essential maintenance to services are needed, highlighting in advance, the long-term issues that will occur should building plans go ahead. Based on 2.4 people per household, resident numbers will increase by 2071, not including the additional developments, existing and planned, in neighbouring areas (e.g. major developments within 2 miles at Stallings Lane and Ketley Quarry, which do not have infrastructure improvements either). Households use multiple cars and vehicles, which will increase congestion to in an unacceptable level – impacting further on local roads, villages and estates where drivers already use multiple ‘shortcuts’ through estates to avoid congestion (this again is at both sites – however at Holbeache, numerous cars were seen ‘cutting through’ Maidensbridge Estate during a Traffic survey in August ’21 – even though this is signposted as ‘no right turn’. The road infrastructure through Wall Heath and Kingswinford cannot support an increase in traffic volume and new roads cannot be built to alleviate this without compromising more Green Belt, e.g. the Wester Strategic Road. During our survey, 2500+ vehicles were counted within an hour on the A491 at Holbeache during peak morning traffic, despite the fact that is was also school holidays – it included several HGVs and large vehicles. The noise levels are already excessive for residents and will increase significantly. Feedback has shown how these proposals have unsettles those living close to the main roads – some feeling angered and considering leaving the area. There are real concerns about inevitable reductions in housing prices, particularly those nearest to the A491 and A449, as well discontent about the increased amount of tax payer’s money required to create and maintain highways for these new, large estates.

2. Effect on road safety: Housing developments and increased traffic will seriously impact on road safety – for drivers and pedestrians. The elderly infirmed and school children (primary and secondary) will be exposed to increased risks when crossing roads in multiple areas. On the A449, pupils are exposed to this on the way to Summerhill school (opposite the Triangle): this has no traffic control and also runs downhill (with no speed cameras). Lodge Lane is also already heavily double parked and concerns abut safety are high. Currently, there are insufficient pedestrian crossings throughout Wall Heath – crossing the A491 to catch the bus by the Holbeache site is extremely hazardous. Increasing necessary traffic control with much needed extra pedestrian crossings will affect travel time further, adding to the existing issues with congestion. Add to this the ‘human factor’ of drivers using these roads, where queues create frustration, impatience and anger. Just one example: From the Holbeache island down the A491 towards the lights at Stallings Lane, drivers take risks to avoid the ‘Keep Left’ Sign, often at speed, to join the shorter right hand queue. This puts pedestrians, including school children, at risk on crossings close to the Charterfields Estate. Currently, residents find increasing difficulty with access to and from homes. Queuing drivers are not always courteous, causing undue stress for homeowners trying to leave or turn into their drives. This will undoubtedly be exacerbated by increased congestion.

3. Effect of increased congestion on public transport and air quality: Public transport is limited to buses only in our area, with no other alternatives (rail is 30mins+). These are limited in connection and frequency – with no service even to the hospital from Wall Heath. These services are already affected by the volume of traffic at peak times – especially routes along the A491. Increased congestion will impact on service times and reliability further, counteracting initiatives to encourage residents to use buses to reduce air pollution Since Hansen rates parts of Kingswinford as having the worst commuting score from homes to places of employment, residents will have few alternatives but to use own transport, thereby adding to congestion and CO2 emissions. “Motorised road traffic is one of the greatest man-made contributions to carbon dioxide in the atmosphere “ (Dudley Travel Plan). Particle pollution is also caused by tyres and brakes. By making our congested roads even worse, it will impact on local residents who are vulnerable to air pollution – older people, the young and those with chronic illnesses. The A491 feeds into Wordsley High Street as people travel to Stourbridge; already identified as having unsafe air quality where “Nitrogen Dioxide has been measured as exceeding the national air quality objective of 40 ug/m3”

4. Effect on car parking for schools: Difficulties associated with carparking for local schools, this does not resolve the issues of double-parking along roads – increasing risks to children and residents in the area. Sites at Holbeache and the Triangle are not convenient to local schools through winter months – increasing further road use and congestion on the A441 and A491.

5. Effect on school admissions: There are insufficient school places for children across the area. For September 2021 admissions, the only secondary with places for year 7 is Wordsley. Most other year groups are full. There are no places for Reception in Wall Heath for 2021; only one school in Kingswinford with places. Creating spaces by enlarging existing schools will change the character of them, or force buildings that take away car-parking, play areas or fields. Many parents do not want super-size schools; neither do they want to risk not being able to get children into the school of their choice – this has been a problematic issue for years for residents on Maidensbirdge estate wanting to get children into Summerhill. Special needs schools will not suddenly become more available, and neither will places for adults with additional needs. Even through Dudley Appendix A (containing site assessments) states the possibility of building a school at the Triangle, again there is no guarantee due to ‘marginal viability’

6. Effect on NHS and emergency services:

- There are not enough local doctors and dentists in the local area. Residents are being forces to travel out the area to access care. Wall Heath and Kingswinford have a number of elderly residents who cannot physically do this – due to their own capabilities and lack of public transport.
- Pre-lockdown, the average waiting time at Russell’s Hall was over 4 hours (2019). April ’21 inspections show it still ‘requires improvement’
- Longer ambulance wait times (In 2020, the turnaround times reached 60 mins) – this will also increase with more road congestion, thereby risking lives
- Further delays in local health services, mental health services (rapidly growing), hospital treatment and operations for serious illness.
- Strain on our police services: Kingswinford Police Station was closed in 2017; now there are just six community police officers covering 3 wards. Residents are really concerned about increasing crime levels in the area, and these are confirmed by local statistics on Police.uk. Talking to people from all these sectors, we cannot see how these services will cope.

7. Effect on Mental Health: The green belt at Holbeache and the Triangle are much needed, open spaces for mental well-being. They are enjoyed by a large number of the community for walking and appreciating the natural environment. During lockdown, these two beautiful, open spaces helped to reduce anxiety and still continue to do so now. By building on these spaces – creating noise and air pollution, affecting the visual landscape and developing over several years – it will directly affect residents who need them. These two sites help give residents pride in the area. As well as losing the space, additional stress will be created by light pollution and the building work itself will impact on residents, in terms of noise, traffic, visual and smell for a significant period of time (this will also impact on physical health – see point 3 above). Many new residents in our area bought their houses here to get away from the urban sprawl that the Green Belt is meant to protect. They feel betrayed by these proposals.

8. Loss of Green Belt; Effect on local wildlife and the environment:

- All brownfield sites and disused buildings across all other areas of England should be identified to address the national housing need – imposing more housing in already urbanised areas will have further negative impact on the environment and residents. Dudley, which is already a highly concentrated urban area, should not be expected to absorb yet more houses and have to release Green Belt at Wall Heath and Kingswinford because of imposed housing figures and need in other boroughs. This will create further urban sprawl.
- If these two sites are developed, it would put the area at risk of being opened-up to further development by South Staffs in their preferred option plan. At present they prevent urban sprawl along the western edge of the Black country. Just before lockdown, a planning proposal was ‘accidentally’ found which mapped out an industrial park the size of 90 football pitches just metres behind people’s back gardens in Wall Heath. We are sandwiched between two authorities, both assessing the land around us to build on Green Belt. If we are asking South Staffordshire not to build up to border, then Dudley should not either. There is a genuine feeling through the community that the security of choosing a home and having confidence in the future of our environment has been lost.
- Holbeache is VERY GOOD agricultural land – it is Grade 2, where a range of crops can be grown. The Triangle is Grade 3, which is also useful agricultural land. Both reduce the need to import food into Birmingham and contribute to easing resource reliance. The Government committed a 25-year plan to land in the UK, global warming, with hotter summers and colder winters, has affected the quality of crops and subsequent fertility of the soil. Urban areas rely on imported food; here, we have good quality land which the government has a responsibility to protect.
- The hedgerows all around Holbeache and a small plot to the left form a SLINC; The Triangle is also SLINC (Sites of Local Importance for Nature Conservation). Building here will mean loss of wildlife (sighting of owls, buzzards, a pair of red kites, bats – both protected); also, loss of bees and butterflies and biodiversity that the linked wildlife corridors are tyring to protect due to declining numbers. Disrupting the wildlife corridors at both locations would be irreversible.
- Loss of ancient oak trees at the Triangle and ancient hedgerows at Holbeache. Many trees have Tree Preservation Orders. This will also contribute to climate change – replanting schemes will not replace ancient habitats and features of the local environment.
- Loss of yearly daffodils display. They ass to the character of Wall Heath, are photographed across the region and create “a positive image” to enjoy (Ed Lawrence, Exp & Star March 2020). The poppies on the Triangle made national news.
- Flood risk to both areas due to the gradient of the land – this will impact on drainage of the area and ground water.
- Local people appreciate the green belt through walks and cycle rides – there is huge opposition, both local and across the Midlands; we want to protect it for future generations.
- Consideration for the elderly at the residential homes at Holbeache House, who benefit from the environment that the green belt provides.

9. Financial Impacts: The proposed ‘high value’ housing will not solve issues inked to social housing (which is set between 10-30%). Kingswinford and Wall Heath are being classed as ‘growth areas’ – local residents were not consulted about this or the consequences of what it would mean for our small community. There are little nearby employment sires or networks to support this.

10. Impact on Historical Characteristics: The area is connected with the Greensforge Roman Camp at the Triangle and Holbeach House (Wolverhampton Road) – the latter of great historical importance.

Object

Representation ID: 12391

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: K Copper

1. Effect on road infrastructure: Roads into and around Wall Heath and Kingswinford are already struggling to cope – they are heavily congested throughout the day and grid locked, with tailbacks, at peak times on major A491 and A449 routes. These have returned to pre-covid levels with residents incurring daily delays and inconvenience they severely hinder journey times once roadworks and essential maintenance to services are needed, highlighting in advance, the long-term issues that will occur should building plans go ahead. Based on 2.4 people per household, resident numbers will increase by 2071, not including the additional developments, existing and planned, in neighbouring areas (e.g. major developments within 2 miles at Stallings Lane and Ketley Quarry, which do not have infrastructure improvements either). Households use multiple cars and vehicles, which will increase congestion to in an unacceptable level – impacting further on local roads, villages and estates where drivers already use multiple ‘shortcuts’ through estates to avoid congestion (this again is at both sites – however at Holbeache, numerous cars were seen ‘cutting through’ Maidensbridge Estate during a Traffic survey in August ’21 – even though this is signposted as ‘no right turn’. The road infrastructure through Wall Heath and Kingswinford cannot support an increase in traffic volume and new roads cannot be built to alleviate this without compromising more Green Belt, e.g. the Wester Strategic Road. During our survey, 2500+ vehicles were counted within an hour on the A491 at Holbeache during peak morning traffic, despite the fact that is was also school holidays – it included several HGVs and large vehicles. The noise levels are already excessive for residents and will increase significantly. Feedback has shown how these proposals have unsettles those living close to the main roads – some feeling angered and considering leaving the area. There are real concerns about inevitable reductions in housing prices, particularly those nearest to the A491 and A449, as well discontent about the increased amount of tax payer’s money required to create and maintain highways for these new, large estates.

2. Effect on road safety: Housing developments and increased traffic will seriously impact on road safety – for drivers and pedestrians. The elderly infirmed and school children (primary and secondary) will be exposed to increased risks when crossing roads in multiple areas. On the A449, pupils are exposed to this on the way to Summerhill school (opposite the Triangle): this has no traffic control and also runs downhill (with no speed cameras). Lodge Lane is also already heavily double parked and concerns abut safety are high. Currently, there are insufficient pedestrian crossings throughout Wall Heath – crossing the A491 to catch the bus by the Holbeache site is extremely hazardous. Increasing necessary traffic control with much needed extra pedestrian crossings will affect travel time further, adding to the existing issues with congestion. Add to this the ‘human factor’ of drivers using these roads, where queues create frustration, impatience and anger. Just one example: From the Holbeache island down the A491 towards the lights at Stallings Lane, drivers take risks to avoid the ‘Keep Left’ Sign, often at speed, to join the shorter right hand queue. This puts pedestrians, including school children, at risk on crossings close to the Charterfields Estate. Currently, residents find increasing difficulty with access to and from homes. Queuing drivers are not always courteous, causing undue stress for homeowners trying to leave or turn into their drives. This will undoubtedly be exacerbated by increased congestion.

3. Effect of increased congestion on public transport and air quality: Public transport is limited to buses only in our area, with no other alternatives (rail is 30mins+). These are limited in connection and frequency – with no service even to the hospital from Wall Heath. These services are already affected by the volume of traffic at peak times – especially routes along the A491. Increased congestion will impact on service times and reliability further, counteracting initiatives to encourage residents to use buses to reduce air pollution Since Hansen rates parts of Kingswinford as having the worst commuting score from homes to places of employment, residents will have few alternatives but to use own transport, thereby adding to congestion and CO2 emissions. “Motorised road traffic is one of the greatest man-made contributions to carbon dioxide in the atmosphere “ (Dudley Travel Plan). Particle pollution is also caused by tyres and brakes. By making our congested roads even worse, it will impact on local residents who are vulnerable to air pollution – older people, the young and those with chronic illnesses. The A491 feeds into Wordsley High Street as people travel to Stourbridge; already identified as having unsafe air quality where “Nitrogen Dioxide has been measured as exceeding the national air quality objective of 40 ug/m3”

4. Effect on car parking for schools: Difficulties associated with carparking for local schools, this does not resolve the issues of double-parking along roads – increasing risks to children and residents in the area. Sites at Holbeache and the Triangle are not convenient to local schools through winter months – increasing further road use and congestion on the A441 and A491.

5. Effect on school admissions: There are insufficient school places for children across the area. For September 2021 admissions, the only secondary with places for year 7 is Wordsley. Most other year groups are full. There are no places for Reception in Wall Heath for 2021; only one school in Kingswinford with places. Creating spaces by enlarging existing schools will change the character of them, or force buildings that take away car-parking, play areas or fields. Many parents do not want super-size schools; neither do they want to risk not being able to get children into the school of their choice – this has been a problematic issue for years for residents on Maidensbirdge estate wanting to get children into Summerhill. Special needs schools will not suddenly become more available, and neither will places for adults with additional needs. Even through Dudley Appendix A (containing site assessments) states the possibility of building a school at the Triangle, again there is no guarantee due to ‘marginal viability’

6. Effect on NHS and emergency services:

- There are not enough local doctors and dentists in the local area. Residents are being forces to travel out the area to access care. Wall Heath and Kingswinford have a number of elderly residents who cannot physically do this – due to their own capabilities and lack of public transport.
- Pre-lockdown, the average waiting time at Russell’s Hall was over 4 hours (2019). April ’21 inspections show it still ‘requires improvement’
- Longer ambulance wait times (In 2020, the turnaround times reached 60 mins) – this will also increase with more road congestion, thereby risking lives
- Further delays in local health services, mental health services (rapidly growing), hospital treatment and operations for serious illness.
- Strain on our police services: Kingswinford Police Station was closed in 2017; now there are just six community police officers covering 3 wards. Residents are really concerned about increasing crime levels in the area, and these are confirmed by local statistics on Police.uk. Talking to people from all these sectors, we cannot see how these services will cope.

7. Effect on Mental Health: The green belt at Holbeache and the Triangle are much needed, open spaces for mental well-being. They are enjoyed by a large number of the community for walking and appreciating the natural environment. During lockdown, these two beautiful, open spaces helped to reduce anxiety and still continue to do so now. By building on these spaces – creating noise and air pollution, affecting the visual landscape and developing over several years – it will directly affect residents who need them. These two sites help give residents pride in the area. As well as losing the space, additional stress will be created by light pollution and the building work itself will impact on residents, in terms of noise, traffic, visual and smell for a significant period of time (this will also impact on physical health – see point 3 above). Many new residents in our area bought their houses here to get away from the urban sprawl that the Green Belt is meant to protect. They feel betrayed by these proposals.

8. Loss of Green Belt; Effect on local wildlife and the environment:

- All brownfield sites and disused buildings across all other areas of England should be identified to address the national housing need – imposing more housing in already urbanised areas will have further negative impact on the environment and residents. Dudley, which is already a highly concentrated urban area, should not be expected to absorb yet more houses and have to release Green Belt at Wall Heath and Kingswinford because of imposed housing figures and need in other boroughs. This will create further urban sprawl.
- If these two sites are developed, it would put the area at risk of being opened-up to further development by South Staffs in their preferred option plan. At present they prevent urban sprawl along the western edge of the Black country. Just before lockdown, a planning proposal was ‘accidentally’ found which mapped out an industrial park the size of 90 football pitches just metres behind people’s back gardens in Wall Heath. We are sandwiched between two authorities, both assessing the land around us to build on Green Belt. If we are asking South Staffordshire not to build up to border, then Dudley should not either. There is a genuine feeling through the community that the security of choosing a home and having confidence in the future of our environment has been lost.
- Holbeache is VERY GOOD agricultural land – it is Grade 2, where a range of crops can be grown. The Triangle is Grade 3, which is also useful agricultural land. Both reduce the need to import food into Birmingham and contribute to easing resource reliance. The Government committed a 25-year plan to land in the UK, global warming, with hotter summers and colder winters, has affected the quality of crops and subsequent fertility of the soil. Urban areas rely on imported food; here, we have good quality land which the government has a responsibility to protect.
- The hedgerows all around Holbeache and a small plot to the left form a SLINC; The Triangle is also SLINC (Sites of Local Importance for Nature Conservation). Building here will mean loss of wildlife (sighting of owls, buzzards, a pair of red kites, bats – both protected); also, loss of bees and butterflies and biodiversity that the linked wildlife corridors are tyring to protect due to declining numbers. Disrupting the wildlife corridors at both locations would be irreversible.
- Loss of ancient oak trees at the Triangle and ancient hedgerows at Holbeache. Many trees have Tree Preservation Orders. This will also contribute to climate change – replanting schemes will not replace ancient habitats and features of the local environment.
- Loss of yearly daffodils display. They ass to the character of Wall Heath, are photographed across the region and create “a positive image” to enjoy (Ed Lawrence, Exp & Star March 2020). The poppies on the Triangle made national news.
- Flood risk to both areas due to the gradient of the land – this will impact on drainage of the area and ground water.
- Local people appreciate the green belt through walks and cycle rides – there is huge opposition, both local and across the Midlands; we want to protect it for future generations.
- Consideration for the elderly at the residential homes at Holbeache House, who benefit from the environment that the green belt provides.

9. Financial Impacts: The proposed ‘high value’ housing will not solve issues inked to social housing (which is set between 10-30%). Kingswinford and Wall Heath are being classed as ‘growth areas’ – local residents were not consulted about this or the consequences of what it would mean for our small community. There are little nearby employment sires or networks to support this.

10. Impact on Historical Characteristics: The area is connected with the Greensforge Roman Camp at the Triangle and Holbeach House (Wolverhampton Road) – the latter of great historical importance.

Object

Representation ID: 12396

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: D Wood

1. Effect on road infrastructure: Roads into and around Wall Heath and Kingswinford are already struggling to cope – they are heavily congested throughout the day and grid locked, with tailbacks, at peak times on major A491 and A449 routes. These have returned to pre-covid levels with residents incurring daily delays and inconvenience they severely hinder journey times once roadworks and essential maintenance to services are needed, highlighting in advance, the long-term issues that will occur should building plans go ahead. Based on 2.4 people per household, resident numbers will increase by 2071, not including the additional developments, existing and planned, in neighbouring areas (e.g. major developments within 2 miles at Stallings Lane and Ketley Quarry, which do not have infrastructure improvements either). Households use multiple cars and vehicles, which will increase congestion to in an unacceptable level – impacting further on local roads, villages and estates where drivers already use multiple ‘shortcuts’ through estates to avoid congestion (this again is at both sites – however at Holbeache, numerous cars were seen ‘cutting through’ Maidensbridge Estate during a Traffic survey in August ’21 – even though this is signposted as ‘no right turn’. The road infrastructure through Wall Heath and Kingswinford cannot support an increase in traffic volume and new roads cannot be built to alleviate this without compromising more Green Belt, e.g. the Wester Strategic Road. During our survey, 2500+ vehicles were counted within an hour on the A491 at Holbeache during peak morning traffic, despite the fact that is was also school holidays – it included several HGVs and large vehicles. The noise levels are already excessive for residents and will increase significantly. Feedback has shown how these proposals have unsettles those living close to the main roads – some feeling angered and considering leaving the area. There are real concerns about inevitable reductions in housing prices, particularly those nearest to the A491 and A449, as well discontent about the increased amount of tax payer’s money required to create and maintain highways for these new, large estates.

2. Effect on road safety: Housing developments and increased traffic will seriously impact on road safety – for drivers and pedestrians. The elderly infirmed and school children (primary and secondary) will be exposed to increased risks when crossing roads in multiple areas. On the A449, pupils are exposed to this on the way to Summerhill school (opposite the Triangle): this has no traffic control and also runs downhill (with no speed cameras). Lodge Lane is also already heavily double parked and concerns abut safety are high. Currently, there are insufficient pedestrian crossings throughout Wall Heath – crossing the A491 to catch the bus by the Holbeache site is extremely hazardous. Increasing necessary traffic control with much needed extra pedestrian crossings will affect travel time further, adding to the existing issues with congestion. Add to this the ‘human factor’ of drivers using these roads, where queues create frustration, impatience and anger. Just one example: From the Holbeache island down the A491 towards the lights at Stallings Lane, drivers take risks to avoid the ‘Keep Left’ Sign, often at speed, to join the shorter right hand queue. This puts pedestrians, including school children, at risk on crossings close to the Charterfields Estate. Currently, residents find increasing difficulty with access to and from homes. Queuing drivers are not always courteous, causing undue stress for homeowners trying to leave or turn into their drives. This will undoubtedly be exacerbated by increased congestion.

3. Effect of increased congestion on public transport and air quality: Public transport is limited to buses only in our area, with no other alternatives (rail is 30mins+). These are limited in connection and frequency – with no service even to the hospital from Wall Heath. These services are already affected by the volume of traffic at peak times – especially routes along the A491. Increased congestion will impact on service times and reliability further, counteracting initiatives to encourage residents to use buses to reduce air pollution Since Hansen rates parts of Kingswinford as having the worst commuting score from homes to places of employment, residents will have few alternatives but to use own transport, thereby adding to congestion and CO2 emissions. “Motorised road traffic is one of the greatest man-made contributions to carbon dioxide in the atmosphere “ (Dudley Travel Plan). Particle pollution is also caused by tyres and brakes. By making our congested roads even worse, it will impact on local residents who are vulnerable to air pollution – older people, the young and those with chronic illnesses. The A491 feeds into Wordsley High Street as people travel to Stourbridge; already identified as having unsafe air quality where “Nitrogen Dioxide has been measured as exceeding the national air quality objective of 40 ug/m3”

4. Effect on car parking for schools: Difficulties associated with carparking for local schools, this does not resolve the issues of double-parking along roads – increasing risks to children and residents in the area. Sites at Holbeache and the Triangle are not convenient to local schools through winter months – increasing further road use and congestion on the A441 and A491.

5. Effect on school admissions: There are insufficient school places for children across the area. For September 2021 admissions, the only secondary with places for year 7 is Wordsley. Most other year groups are full. There are no places for Reception in Wall Heath for 2021; only one school in Kingswinford with places. Creating spaces by enlarging existing schools will change the character of them, or force buildings that take away car-parking, play areas or fields. Many parents do not want super-size schools; neither do they want to risk not being able to get children into the school of their choice – this has been a problematic issue for years for residents on Maidensbirdge estate wanting to get children into Summerhill. Special needs schools will not suddenly become more available, and neither will places for adults with additional needs. Even through Dudley Appendix A (containing site assessments) states the possibility of building a school at the Triangle, again there is no guarantee due to ‘marginal viability’

6. Effect on NHS and emergency services:

- There are not enough local doctors and dentists in the local area. Residents are being forces to travel out the area to access care. Wall Heath and Kingswinford have a number of elderly residents who cannot physically do this – due to their own capabilities and lack of public transport.
- Pre-lockdown, the average waiting time at Russell’s Hall was over 4 hours (2019). April ’21 inspections show it still ‘requires improvement’
- Longer ambulance wait times (In 2020, the turnaround times reached 60 mins) – this will also increase with more road congestion, thereby risking lives
- Further delays in local health services, mental health services (rapidly growing), hospital treatment and operations for serious illness.
- Strain on our police services: Kingswinford Police Station was closed in 2017; now there are just six community police officers covering 3 wards. Residents are really concerned about increasing crime levels in the area, and these are confirmed by local statistics on Police.uk. Talking to people from all these sectors, we cannot see how these services will cope.

7. Effect on Mental Health: The green belt at Holbeache and the Triangle are much needed, open spaces for mental well-being. They are enjoyed by a large number of the community for walking and appreciating the natural environment. During lockdown, these two beautiful, open spaces helped to reduce anxiety and still continue to do so now. By building on these spaces – creating noise and air pollution, affecting the visual landscape and developing over several years – it will directly affect residents who need them. These two sites help give residents pride in the area. As well as losing the space, additional stress will be created by light pollution and the building work itself will impact on residents, in terms of noise, traffic, visual and smell for a significant period of time (this will also impact on physical health – see point 3 above). Many new residents in our area bought their houses here to get away from the urban sprawl that the Green Belt is meant to protect. They feel betrayed by these proposals.

8. Loss of Green Belt; Effect on local wildlife and the environment:

- All brownfield sites and disused buildings across all other areas of England should be identified to address the national housing need – imposing more housing in already urbanised areas will have further negative impact on the environment and residents. Dudley, which is already a highly concentrated urban area, should not be expected to absorb yet more houses and have to release Green Belt at Wall Heath and Kingswinford because of imposed housing figures and need in other boroughs. This will create further urban sprawl.
- If these two sites are developed, it would put the area at risk of being opened-up to further development by South Staffs in their preferred option plan. At present they prevent urban sprawl along the western edge of the Black country. Just before lockdown, a planning proposal was ‘accidentally’ found which mapped out an industrial park the size of 90 football pitches just metres behind people’s back gardens in Wall Heath. We are sandwiched between two authorities, both assessing the land around us to build on Green Belt. If we are asking South Staffordshire not to build up to border, then Dudley should not either. There is a genuine feeling through the community that the security of choosing a home and having confidence in the future of our environment has been lost.
- Holbeache is VERY GOOD agricultural land – it is Grade 2, where a range of crops can be grown. The Triangle is Grade 3, which is also useful agricultural land. Both reduce the need to import food into Birmingham and contribute to easing resource reliance. The Government committed a 25-year plan to land in the UK, global warming, with hotter summers and colder winters, has affected the quality of crops and subsequent fertility of the soil. Urban areas rely on imported food; here, we have good quality land which the government has a responsibility to protect.
- The hedgerows all around Holbeache and a small plot to the left form a SLINC; The Triangle is also SLINC (Sites of Local Importance for Nature Conservation). Building here will mean loss of wildlife (sighting of owls, buzzards, a pair of red kites, bats – both protected); also, loss of bees and butterflies and biodiversity that the linked wildlife corridors are tyring to protect due to declining numbers. Disrupting the wildlife corridors at both locations would be irreversible.
- Loss of ancient oak trees at the Triangle and ancient hedgerows at Holbeache. Many trees have Tree Preservation Orders. This will also contribute to climate change – replanting schemes will not replace ancient habitats and features of the local environment.
- Loss of yearly daffodils display. They ass to the character of Wall Heath, are photographed across the region and create “a positive image” to enjoy (Ed Lawrence, Exp & Star March 2020). The poppies on the Triangle made national news.
- Flood risk to both areas due to the gradient of the land – this will impact on drainage of the area and ground water.
- Local people appreciate the green belt through walks and cycle rides – there is huge opposition, both local and across the Midlands; we want to protect it for future generations.
- Consideration for the elderly at the residential homes at Holbeache House, who benefit from the environment that the green belt provides.

9. Financial Impacts: The proposed ‘high value’ housing will not solve issues inked to social housing (which is set between 10-30%). Kingswinford and Wall Heath are being classed as ‘growth areas’ – local residents were not consulted about this or the consequences of what it would mean for our small community. There are little nearby employment sires or networks to support this.

10. Impact on Historical Characteristics: The area is connected with the Greensforge Roman Camp at the Triangle and Holbeach House (Wolverhampton Road) – the latter of great historical importance.

Object

Representation ID: 12398

Received: 27/09/2021

Respondent: Mrs Barbara Roper

DRAFT BLACK COUNTRY PLAN
THE TRIANGLE-DUH211
HOLBEACHE-DUH208
I object to the construction of The Triangle DUH211.The large number of houses will increase traffic using the roads which are busy already. New traffic will have to use Swindon Road to access A449 causing the island at the end to be very congested. Where are the influx of children to go to school? most are full already. There is no doctor in Wall Heath. Are there plans to increase access to medical facilities?

Object

Representation ID: 12400

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: R W Taylor

1. Effect on road infrastructure: Roads into and around Wall Heath and Kingswinford are already struggling to cope – they are heavily congested throughout the day and grid locked, with tailbacks, at peak times on major A491 and A449 routes. These have returned to pre-covid levels with residents incurring daily delays and inconvenience they severely hinder journey times once roadworks and essential maintenance to services are needed, highlighting in advance, the long-term issues that will occur should building plans go ahead. Based on 2.4 people per household, resident numbers will increase by 2071, not including the additional developments, existing and planned, in neighbouring areas (e.g. major developments within 2 miles at Stallings Lane and Ketley Quarry, which do not have infrastructure improvements either). Households use multiple cars and vehicles, which will increase congestion to in an unacceptable level – impacting further on local roads, villages and estates where drivers already use multiple ‘shortcuts’ through estates to avoid congestion (this again is at both sites – however at Holbeache, numerous cars were seen ‘cutting through’ Maidensbridge Estate during a Traffic survey in August ’21 – even though this is signposted as ‘no right turn’. The road infrastructure through Wall Heath and Kingswinford cannot support an increase in traffic volume and new roads cannot be built to alleviate this without compromising more Green Belt, e.g. the Wester Strategic Road. During our survey, 2500+ vehicles were counted within an hour on the A491 at Holbeache during peak morning traffic, despite the fact that is was also school holidays – it included several HGVs and large vehicles. The noise levels are already excessive for residents and will increase significantly. Feedback has shown how these proposals have unsettles those living close to the main roads – some feeling angered and considering leaving the area. There are real concerns about inevitable reductions in housing prices, particularly those nearest to the A491 and A449, as well discontent about the increased amount of tax payer’s money required to create and maintain highways for these new, large estates.

2. Effect on road safety: Housing developments and increased traffic will seriously impact on road safety – for drivers and pedestrians. The elderly infirmed and school children (primary and secondary) will be exposed to increased risks when crossing roads in multiple areas. On the A449, pupils are exposed to this on the way to Summerhill school (opposite the Triangle): this has no traffic control and also runs downhill (with no speed cameras). Lodge Lane is also already heavily double parked and concerns abut safety are high. Currently, there are insufficient pedestrian crossings throughout Wall Heath – crossing the A491 to catch the bus by the Holbeache site is extremely hazardous. Increasing necessary traffic control with much needed extra pedestrian crossings will affect travel time further, adding to the existing issues with congestion. Add to this the ‘human factor’ of drivers using these roads, where queues create frustration, impatience and anger. Just one example: From the Holbeache island down the A491 towards the lights at Stallings Lane, drivers take risks to avoid the ‘Keep Left’ Sign, often at speed, to join the shorter right hand queue. This puts pedestrians, including school children, at risk on crossings close to the Charterfields Estate. Currently, residents find increasing difficulty with access to and from homes. Queuing drivers are not always courteous, causing undue stress for homeowners trying to leave or turn into their drives. This will undoubtedly be exacerbated by increased congestion.

3. Effect of increased congestion on public transport and air quality: Public transport is limited to buses only in our area, with no other alternatives (rail is 30mins+). These are limited in connection and frequency – with no service even to the hospital from Wall Heath. These services are already affected by the volume of traffic at peak times – especially routes along the A491. Increased congestion will impact on service times and reliability further, counteracting initiatives to encourage residents to use buses to reduce air pollution Since Hansen rates parts of Kingswinford as having the worst commuting score from homes to places of employment, residents will have few alternatives but to use own transport, thereby adding to congestion and CO2 emissions. “Motorised road traffic is one of the greatest man-made contributions to carbon dioxide in the atmosphere “ (Dudley Travel Plan). Particle pollution is also caused by tyres and brakes. By making our congested roads even worse, it will impact on local residents who are vulnerable to air pollution – older people, the young and those with chronic illnesses. The A491 feeds into Wordsley High Street as people travel to Stourbridge; already identified as having unsafe air quality where “Nitrogen Dioxide has been measured as exceeding the national air quality objective of 40 ug/m3”

4. Effect on car parking for schools: Difficulties associated with carparking for local schools, this does not resolve the issues of double-parking along roads – increasing risks to children and residents in the area. Sites at Holbeache and the Triangle are not convenient to local schools through winter months – increasing further road use and congestion on the A441 and A491.

5. Effect on school admissions: There are insufficient school places for children across the area. For September 2021 admissions, the only secondary with places for year 7 is Wordsley. Most other year groups are full. There are no places for Reception in Wall Heath for 2021; only one school in Kingswinford with places. Creating spaces by enlarging existing schools will change the character of them, or force buildings that take away car-parking, play areas or fields. Many parents do not want super-size schools; neither do they want to risk not being able to get children into the school of their choice – this has been a problematic issue for years for residents on Maidensbirdge estate wanting to get children into Summerhill. Special needs schools will not suddenly become more available, and neither will places for adults with additional needs. Even through Dudley Appendix A (containing site assessments) states the possibility of building a school at the Triangle, again there is no guarantee due to ‘marginal viability’

6. Effect on NHS and emergency services:

- There are not enough local doctors and dentists in the local area. Residents are being forces to travel out the area to access care. Wall Heath and Kingswinford have a number of elderly residents who cannot physically do this – due to their own capabilities and lack of public transport.
- Pre-lockdown, the average waiting time at Russell’s Hall was over 4 hours (2019). April ’21 inspections show it still ‘requires improvement’
- Longer ambulance wait times (In 2020, the turnaround times reached 60 mins) – this will also increase with more road congestion, thereby risking lives
- Further delays in local health services, mental health services (rapidly growing), hospital treatment and operations for serious illness.
- Strain on our police services: Kingswinford Police Station was closed in 2017; now there are just six community police officers covering 3 wards. Residents are really concerned about increasing crime levels in the area, and these are confirmed by local statistics on Police.uk. Talking to people from all these sectors, we cannot see how these services will cope.

7. Effect on Mental Health: The green belt at Holbeache and the Triangle are much needed, open spaces for mental well-being. They are enjoyed by a large number of the community for walking and appreciating the natural environment. During lockdown, these two beautiful, open spaces helped to reduce anxiety and still continue to do so now. By building on these spaces – creating noise and air pollution, affecting the visual landscape and developing over several years – it will directly affect residents who need them. These two sites help give residents pride in the area. As well as losing the space, additional stress will be created by light pollution and the building work itself will impact on residents, in terms of noise, traffic, visual and smell for a significant period of time (this will also impact on physical health – see point 3 above). Many new residents in our area bought their houses here to get away from the urban sprawl that the Green Belt is meant to protect. They feel betrayed by these proposals.

8. Loss of Green Belt; Effect on local wildlife and the environment:

- All brownfield sites and disused buildings across all other areas of England should be identified to address the national housing need – imposing more housing in already urbanised areas will have further negative impact on the environment and residents. Dudley, which is already a highly concentrated urban area, should not be expected to absorb yet more houses and have to release Green Belt at Wall Heath and Kingswinford because of imposed housing figures and need in other boroughs. This will create further urban sprawl.
- If these two sites are developed, it would put the area at risk of being opened-up to further development by South Staffs in their preferred option plan. At present they prevent urban sprawl along the western edge of the Black country. Just before lockdown, a planning proposal was ‘accidentally’ found which mapped out an industrial park the size of 90 football pitches just metres behind people’s back gardens in Wall Heath. We are sandwiched between two authorities, both assessing the land around us to build on Green Belt. If we are asking South Staffordshire not to build up to border, then Dudley should not either. There is a genuine feeling through the community that the security of choosing a home and having confidence in the future of our environment has been lost.
- Holbeache is VERY GOOD agricultural land – it is Grade 2, where a range of crops can be grown. The Triangle is Grade 3, which is also useful agricultural land. Both reduce the need to import food into Birmingham and contribute to easing resource reliance. The Government committed a 25-year plan to land in the UK, global warming, with hotter summers and colder winters, has affected the quality of crops and subsequent fertility of the soil. Urban areas rely on imported food; here, we have good quality land which the government has a responsibility to protect.
- The hedgerows all around Holbeache and a small plot to the left form a SLINC; The Triangle is also SLINC (Sites of Local Importance for Nature Conservation). Building here will mean loss of wildlife (sighting of owls, buzzards, a pair of red kites, bats – both protected); also, loss of bees and butterflies and biodiversity that the linked wildlife corridors are tyring to protect due to declining numbers. Disrupting the wildlife corridors at both locations would be irreversible.
- Loss of ancient oak trees at the Triangle and ancient hedgerows at Holbeache. Many trees have Tree Preservation Orders. This will also contribute to climate change – replanting schemes will not replace ancient habitats and features of the local environment.
- Loss of yearly daffodils display. They ass to the character of Wall Heath, are photographed across the region and create “a positive image” to enjoy (Ed Lawrence, Exp & Star March 2020). The poppies on the Triangle made national news.
- Flood risk to both areas due to the gradient of the land – this will impact on drainage of the area and ground water.
- Local people appreciate the green belt through walks and cycle rides – there is huge opposition, both local and across the Midlands; we want to protect it for future generations.
- Consideration for the elderly at the residential homes at Holbeache House, who benefit from the environment that the green belt provides.

9. Financial Impacts: The proposed ‘high value’ housing will not solve issues inked to social housing (which is set between 10-30%). Kingswinford and Wall Heath are being classed as ‘growth areas’ – local residents were not consulted about this or the consequences of what it would mean for our small community. There are little nearby employment sires or networks to support this.

10. Impact on Historical Characteristics: The area is connected with the Greensforge Roman Camp at the Triangle and Holbeach House (Wolverhampton Road) – the latter of great historical importance.

Object

Representation ID: 12402

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: k Heyns

1. Effect on road infrastructure: Roads into and around Wall Heath and Kingswinford are already struggling to cope – they are heavily congested throughout the day and grid locked, with tailbacks, at peak times on major A491 and A449 routes. These have returned to pre-covid levels with residents incurring daily delays and inconvenience they severely hinder journey times once roadworks and essential maintenance to services are needed, highlighting in advance, the long-term issues that will occur should building plans go ahead. Based on 2.4 people per household, resident numbers will increase by 2071, not including the additional developments, existing and planned, in neighbouring areas (e.g. major developments within 2 miles at Stallings Lane and Ketley Quarry, which do not have infrastructure improvements either). Households use multiple cars and vehicles, which will increase congestion to in an unacceptable level – impacting further on local roads, villages and estates where drivers already use multiple ‘shortcuts’ through estates to avoid congestion (this again is at both sites – however at Holbeache, numerous cars were seen ‘cutting through’ Maidensbridge Estate during a Traffic survey in August ’21 – even though this is signposted as ‘no right turn’. The road infrastructure through Wall Heath and Kingswinford cannot support an increase in traffic volume and new roads cannot be built to alleviate this without compromising more Green Belt, e.g. the Wester Strategic Road. During our survey, 2500+ vehicles were counted within an hour on the A491 at Holbeache during peak morning traffic, despite the fact that is was also school holidays – it included several HGVs and large vehicles. The noise levels are already excessive for residents and will increase significantly. Feedback has shown how these proposals have unsettles those living close to the main roads – some feeling angered and considering leaving the area. There are real concerns about inevitable reductions in housing prices, particularly those nearest to the A491 and A449, as well discontent about the increased amount of tax payer’s money required to create and maintain highways for these new, large estates.

2. Effect on road safety: Housing developments and increased traffic will seriously impact on road safety – for drivers and pedestrians. The elderly infirmed and school children (primary and secondary) will be exposed to increased risks when crossing roads in multiple areas. On the A449, pupils are exposed to this on the way to Summerhill school (opposite the Triangle): this has no traffic control and also runs downhill (with no speed cameras). Lodge Lane is also already heavily double parked and concerns abut safety are high. Currently, there are insufficient pedestrian crossings throughout Wall Heath – crossing the A491 to catch the bus by the Holbeache site is extremely hazardous. Increasing necessary traffic control with much needed extra pedestrian crossings will affect travel time further, adding to the existing issues with congestion. Add to this the ‘human factor’ of drivers using these roads, where queues create frustration, impatience and anger. Just one example: From the Holbeache island down the A491 towards the lights at Stallings Lane, drivers take risks to avoid the ‘Keep Left’ Sign, often at speed, to join the shorter right hand queue. This puts pedestrians, including school children, at risk on crossings close to the Charterfields Estate. Currently, residents find increasing difficulty with access to and from homes. Queuing drivers are not always courteous, causing undue stress for homeowners trying to leave or turn into their drives. This will undoubtedly be exacerbated by increased congestion.

3. Effect of increased congestion on public transport and air quality: Public transport is limited to buses only in our area, with no other alternatives (rail is 30mins+). These are limited in connection and frequency – with no service even to the hospital from Wall Heath. These services are already affected by the volume of traffic at peak times – especially routes along the A491. Increased congestion will impact on service times and reliability further, counteracting initiatives to encourage residents to use buses to reduce air pollution Since Hansen rates parts of Kingswinford as having the worst commuting score from homes to places of employment, residents will have few alternatives but to use own transport, thereby adding to congestion and CO2 emissions. “Motorised road traffic is one of the greatest man-made contributions to carbon dioxide in the atmosphere “ (Dudley Travel Plan). Particle pollution is also caused by tyres and brakes. By making our congested roads even worse, it will impact on local residents who are vulnerable to air pollution – older people, the young and those with chronic illnesses. The A491 feeds into Wordsley High Street as people travel to Stourbridge; already identified as having unsafe air quality where “Nitrogen Dioxide has been measured as exceeding the national air quality objective of 40 ug/m3”

4. Effect on car parking for schools: Difficulties associated with carparking for local schools, this does not resolve the issues of double-parking along roads – increasing risks to children and residents in the area. Sites at Holbeache and the Triangle are not convenient to local schools through winter months – increasing further road use and congestion on the A441 and A491.

5. Effect on school admissions: There are insufficient school places for children across the area. For September 2021 admissions, the only secondary with places for year 7 is Wordsley. Most other year groups are full. There are no places for Reception in Wall Heath for 2021; only one school in Kingswinford with places. Creating spaces by enlarging existing schools will change the character of them, or force buildings that take away car-parking, play areas or fields. Many parents do not want super-size schools; neither do they want to risk not being able to get children into the school of their choice – this has been a problematic issue for years for residents on Maidensbirdge estate wanting to get children into Summerhill. Special needs schools will not suddenly become more available, and neither will places for adults with additional needs. Even through Dudley Appendix A (containing site assessments) states the possibility of building a school at the Triangle, again there is no guarantee due to ‘marginal viability’

6. Effect on NHS and emergency services:

- There are not enough local doctors and dentists in the local area. Residents are being forces to travel out the area to access care. Wall Heath and Kingswinford have a number of elderly residents who cannot physically do this – due to their own capabilities and lack of public transport.
- Pre-lockdown, the average waiting time at Russell’s Hall was over 4 hours (2019). April ’21 inspections show it still ‘requires improvement’
- Longer ambulance wait times (In 2020, the turnaround times reached 60 mins) – this will also increase with more road congestion, thereby risking lives
- Further delays in local health services, mental health services (rapidly growing), hospital treatment and operations for serious illness.
- Strain on our police services: Kingswinford Police Station was closed in 2017; now there are just six community police officers covering 3 wards. Residents are really concerned about increasing crime levels in the area, and these are confirmed by local statistics on Police.uk. Talking to people from all these sectors, we cannot see how these services will cope.

7. Effect on Mental Health: The green belt at Holbeache and the Triangle are much needed, open spaces for mental well-being. They are enjoyed by a large number of the community for walking and appreciating the natural environment. During lockdown, these two beautiful, open spaces helped to reduce anxiety and still continue to do so now. By building on these spaces – creating noise and air pollution, affecting the visual landscape and developing over several years – it will directly affect residents who need them. These two sites help give residents pride in the area. As well as losing the space, additional stress will be created by light pollution and the building work itself will impact on residents, in terms of noise, traffic, visual and smell for a significant period of time (this will also impact on physical health – see point 3 above). Many new residents in our area bought their houses here to get away from the urban sprawl that the Green Belt is meant to protect. They feel betrayed by these proposals.

8. Loss of Green Belt; Effect on local wildlife and the environment:

- All brownfield sites and disused buildings across all other areas of England should be identified to address the national housing need – imposing more housing in already urbanised areas will have further negative impact on the environment and residents. Dudley, which is already a highly concentrated urban area, should not be expected to absorb yet more houses and have to release Green Belt at Wall Heath and Kingswinford because of imposed housing figures and need in other boroughs. This will create further urban sprawl.
- If these two sites are developed, it would put the area at risk of being opened-up to further development by South Staffs in their preferred option plan. At present they prevent urban sprawl along the western edge of the Black country. Just before lockdown, a planning proposal was ‘accidentally’ found which mapped out an industrial park the size of 90 football pitches just metres behind people’s back gardens in Wall Heath. We are sandwiched between two authorities, both assessing the land around us to build on Green Belt. If we are asking South Staffordshire not to build up to border, then Dudley should not either. There is a genuine feeling through the community that the security of choosing a home and having confidence in the future of our environment has been lost.
- Holbeache is VERY GOOD agricultural land – it is Grade 2, where a range of crops can be grown. The Triangle is Grade 3, which is also useful agricultural land. Both reduce the need to import food into Birmingham and contribute to easing resource reliance. The Government committed a 25-year plan to land in the UK, global warming, with hotter summers and colder winters, has affected the quality of crops and subsequent fertility of the soil. Urban areas rely on imported food; here, we have good quality land which the government has a responsibility to protect.
- The hedgerows all around Holbeache and a small plot to the left form a SLINC; The Triangle is also SLINC (Sites of Local Importance for Nature Conservation). Building here will mean loss of wildlife (sighting of owls, buzzards, a pair of red kites, bats – both protected); also, loss of bees and butterflies and biodiversity that the linked wildlife corridors are tyring to protect due to declining numbers. Disrupting the wildlife corridors at both locations would be irreversible.
- Loss of ancient oak trees at the Triangle and ancient hedgerows at Holbeache. Many trees have Tree Preservation Orders. This will also contribute to climate change – replanting schemes will not replace ancient habitats and features of the local environment.
- Loss of yearly daffodils display. They ass to the character of Wall Heath, are photographed across the region and create “a positive image” to enjoy (Ed Lawrence, Exp & Star March 2020). The poppies on the Triangle made national news.
- Flood risk to both areas due to the gradient of the land – this will impact on drainage of the area and ground water.
- Local people appreciate the green belt through walks and cycle rides – there is huge opposition, both local and across the Midlands; we want to protect it for future generations.
- Consideration for the elderly at the residential homes at Holbeache House, who benefit from the environment that the green belt provides.

9. Financial Impacts: The proposed ‘high value’ housing will not solve issues inked to social housing (which is set between 10-30%). Kingswinford and Wall Heath are being classed as ‘growth areas’ – local residents were not consulted about this or the consequences of what it would mean for our small community. There are little nearby employment sires or networks to support this.

10. Impact on Historical Characteristics: The area is connected with the Greensforge Roman Camp at the Triangle and Holbeach House (Wolverhampton Road) – the latter of great historical importance.

Object

Representation ID: 12404

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: M Bradley

1. Effect on road infrastructure: Roads into and around Wall Heath and Kingswinford are already struggling to cope – they are heavily congested throughout the day and grid locked, with tailbacks, at peak times on major A491 and A449 routes. These have returned to pre-covid levels with residents incurring daily delays and inconvenience they severely hinder journey times once roadworks and essential maintenance to services are needed, highlighting in advance, the long-term issues that will occur should building plans go ahead. Based on 2.4 people per household, resident numbers will increase by 2071, not including the additional developments, existing and planned, in neighbouring areas (e.g. major developments within 2 miles at Stallings Lane and Ketley Quarry, which do not have infrastructure improvements either). Households use multiple cars and vehicles, which will increase congestion to in an unacceptable level – impacting further on local roads, villages and estates where drivers already use multiple ‘shortcuts’ through estates to avoid congestion (this again is at both sites – however at Holbeache, numerous cars were seen ‘cutting through’ Maidensbridge Estate during a Traffic survey in August ’21 – even though this is signposted as ‘no right turn’. The road infrastructure through Wall Heath and Kingswinford cannot support an increase in traffic volume and new roads cannot be built to alleviate this without compromising more Green Belt, e.g. the Wester Strategic Road. During our survey, 2500+ vehicles were counted within an hour on the A491 at Holbeache during peak morning traffic, despite the fact that is was also school holidays – it included several HGVs and large vehicles. The noise levels are already excessive for residents and will increase significantly. Feedback has shown how these proposals have unsettles those living close to the main roads – some feeling angered and considering leaving the area. There are real concerns about inevitable reductions in housing prices, particularly those nearest to the A491 and A449, as well discontent about the increased amount of tax payer’s money required to create and maintain highways for these new, large estates.

2. Effect on road safety: Housing developments and increased traffic will seriously impact on road safety – for drivers and pedestrians. The elderly infirmed and school children (primary and secondary) will be exposed to increased risks when crossing roads in multiple areas. On the A449, pupils are exposed to this on the way to Summerhill school (opposite the Triangle): this has no traffic control and also runs downhill (with no speed cameras). Lodge Lane is also already heavily double parked and concerns abut safety are high. Currently, there are insufficient pedestrian crossings throughout Wall Heath – crossing the A491 to catch the bus by the Holbeache site is extremely hazardous. Increasing necessary traffic control with much needed extra pedestrian crossings will affect travel time further, adding to the existing issues with congestion. Add to this the ‘human factor’ of drivers using these roads, where queues create frustration, impatience and anger. Just one example: From the Holbeache island down the A491 towards the lights at Stallings Lane, drivers take risks to avoid the ‘Keep Left’ Sign, often at speed, to join the shorter right hand queue. This puts pedestrians, including school children, at risk on crossings close to the Charterfields Estate. Currently, residents find increasing difficulty with access to and from homes. Queuing drivers are not always courteous, causing undue stress for homeowners trying to leave or turn into their drives. This will undoubtedly be exacerbated by increased congestion.

3. Effect of increased congestion on public transport and air quality: Public transport is limited to buses only in our area, with no other alternatives (rail is 30mins+). These are limited in connection and frequency – with no service even to the hospital from Wall Heath. These services are already affected by the volume of traffic at peak times – especially routes along the A491. Increased congestion will impact on service times and reliability further, counteracting initiatives to encourage residents to use buses to reduce air pollution Since Hansen rates parts of Kingswinford as having the worst commuting score from homes to places of employment, residents will have few alternatives but to use own transport, thereby adding to congestion and CO2 emissions. “Motorised road traffic is one of the greatest man-made contributions to carbon dioxide in the atmosphere “ (Dudley Travel Plan). Particle pollution is also caused by tyres and brakes. By making our congested roads even worse, it will impact on local residents who are vulnerable to air pollution – older people, the young and those with chronic illnesses. The A491 feeds into Wordsley High Street as people travel to Stourbridge; already identified as having unsafe air quality where “Nitrogen Dioxide has been measured as exceeding the national air quality objective of 40 ug/m3”

4. Effect on car parking for schools: Difficulties associated with carparking for local schools, this does not resolve the issues of double-parking along roads – increasing risks to children and residents in the area. Sites at Holbeache and the Triangle are not convenient to local schools through winter months – increasing further road use and congestion on the A441 and A491.

5. Effect on school admissions: There are insufficient school places for children across the area. For September 2021 admissions, the only secondary with places for year 7 is Wordsley. Most other year groups are full. There are no places for Reception in Wall Heath for 2021; only one school in Kingswinford with places. Creating spaces by enlarging existing schools will change the character of them, or force buildings that take away car-parking, play areas or fields. Many parents do not want super-size schools; neither do they want to risk not being able to get children into the school of their choice – this has been a problematic issue for years for residents on Maidensbirdge estate wanting to get children into Summerhill. Special needs schools will not suddenly become more available, and neither will places for adults with additional needs. Even through Dudley Appendix A (containing site assessments) states the possibility of building a school at the Triangle, again there is no guarantee due to ‘marginal viability’

6. Effect on NHS and emergency services:

- There are not enough local doctors and dentists in the local area. Residents are being forces to travel out the area to access care. Wall Heath and Kingswinford have a number of elderly residents who cannot physically do this – due to their own capabilities and lack of public transport.
- Pre-lockdown, the average waiting time at Russell’s Hall was over 4 hours (2019). April ’21 inspections show it still ‘requires improvement’
- Longer ambulance wait times (In 2020, the turnaround times reached 60 mins) – this will also increase with more road congestion, thereby risking lives
- Further delays in local health services, mental health services (rapidly growing), hospital treatment and operations for serious illness.
- Strain on our police services: Kingswinford Police Station was closed in 2017; now there are just six community police officers covering 3 wards. Residents are really concerned about increasing crime levels in the area, and these are confirmed by local statistics on Police.uk. Talking to people from all these sectors, we cannot see how these services will cope.

7. Effect on Mental Health: The green belt at Holbeache and the Triangle are much needed, open spaces for mental well-being. They are enjoyed by a large number of the community for walking and appreciating the natural environment. During lockdown, these two beautiful, open spaces helped to reduce anxiety and still continue to do so now. By building on these spaces – creating noise and air pollution, affecting the visual landscape and developing over several years – it will directly affect residents who need them. These two sites help give residents pride in the area. As well as losing the space, additional stress will be created by light pollution and the building work itself will impact on residents, in terms of noise, traffic, visual and smell for a significant period of time (this will also impact on physical health – see point 3 above). Many new residents in our area bought their houses here to get away from the urban sprawl that the Green Belt is meant to protect. They feel betrayed by these proposals.

8. Loss of Green Belt; Effect on local wildlife and the environment:

- All brownfield sites and disused buildings across all other areas of England should be identified to address the national housing need – imposing more housing in already urbanised areas will have further negative impact on the environment and residents. Dudley, which is already a highly concentrated urban area, should not be expected to absorb yet more houses and have to release Green Belt at Wall Heath and Kingswinford because of imposed housing figures and need in other boroughs. This will create further urban sprawl.
- If these two sites are developed, it would put the area at risk of being opened-up to further development by South Staffs in their preferred option plan. At present they prevent urban sprawl along the western edge of the Black country. Just before lockdown, a planning proposal was ‘accidentally’ found which mapped out an industrial park the size of 90 football pitches just metres behind people’s back gardens in Wall Heath. We are sandwiched between two authorities, both assessing the land around us to build on Green Belt. If we are asking South Staffordshire not to build up to border, then Dudley should not either. There is a genuine feeling through the community that the security of choosing a home and having confidence in the future of our environment has been lost.
- Holbeache is VERY GOOD agricultural land – it is Grade 2, where a range of crops can be grown. The Triangle is Grade 3, which is also useful agricultural land. Both reduce the need to import food into Birmingham and contribute to easing resource reliance. The Government committed a 25-year plan to land in the UK, global warming, with hotter summers and colder winters, has affected the quality of crops and subsequent fertility of the soil. Urban areas rely on imported food; here, we have good quality land which the government has a responsibility to protect.
- The hedgerows all around Holbeache and a small plot to the left form a SLINC; The Triangle is also SLINC (Sites of Local Importance for Nature Conservation). Building here will mean loss of wildlife (sighting of owls, buzzards, a pair of red kites, bats – both protected); also, loss of bees and butterflies and biodiversity that the linked wildlife corridors are tyring to protect due to declining numbers. Disrupting the wildlife corridors at both locations would be irreversible.
- Loss of ancient oak trees at the Triangle and ancient hedgerows at Holbeache. Many trees have Tree Preservation Orders. This will also contribute to climate change – replanting schemes will not replace ancient habitats and features of the local environment.
- Loss of yearly daffodils display. They ass to the character of Wall Heath, are photographed across the region and create “a positive image” to enjoy (Ed Lawrence, Exp & Star March 2020). The poppies on the Triangle made national news.
- Flood risk to both areas due to the gradient of the land – this will impact on drainage of the area and ground water.
- Local people appreciate the green belt through walks and cycle rides – there is huge opposition, both local and across the Midlands; we want to protect it for future generations.
- Consideration for the elderly at the residential homes at Holbeache House, who benefit from the environment that the green belt provides.

9. Financial Impacts: The proposed ‘high value’ housing will not solve issues inked to social housing (which is set between 10-30%). Kingswinford and Wall Heath are being classed as ‘growth areas’ – local residents were not consulted about this or the consequences of what it would mean for our small community. There are little nearby employment sires or networks to support this.

10. Impact on Historical Characteristics: The area is connected with the Greensforge Roman Camp at the Triangle and Holbeach House (Wolverhampton Road) – the latter of great historical importance.

Object

Representation ID: 12406

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: M Weston

1. Effect on road infrastructure: Roads into and around Wall Heath and Kingswinford are already struggling to cope – they are heavily congested throughout the day and grid locked, with tailbacks, at peak times on major A491 and A449 routes. These have returned to pre-covid levels with residents incurring daily delays and inconvenience they severely hinder journey times once roadworks and essential maintenance to services are needed, highlighting in advance, the long-term issues that will occur should building plans go ahead. Based on 2.4 people per household, resident numbers will increase by 2071, not including the additional developments, existing and planned, in neighbouring areas (e.g. major developments within 2 miles at Stallings Lane and Ketley Quarry, which do not have infrastructure improvements either). Households use multiple cars and vehicles, which will increase congestion to in an unacceptable level – impacting further on local roads, villages and estates where drivers already use multiple ‘shortcuts’ through estates to avoid congestion (this again is at both sites – however at Holbeache, numerous cars were seen ‘cutting through’ Maidensbridge Estate during a Traffic survey in August ’21 – even though this is signposted as ‘no right turn’. The road infrastructure through Wall Heath and Kingswinford cannot support an increase in traffic volume and new roads cannot be built to alleviate this without compromising more Green Belt, e.g. the Wester Strategic Road. During our survey, 2500+ vehicles were counted within an hour on the A491 at Holbeache during peak morning traffic, despite the fact that is was also school holidays – it included several HGVs and large vehicles. The noise levels are already excessive for residents and will increase significantly. Feedback has shown how these proposals have unsettles those living close to the main roads – some feeling angered and considering leaving the area. There are real concerns about inevitable reductions in housing prices, particularly those nearest to the A491 and A449, as well discontent about the increased amount of tax payer’s money required to create and maintain highways for these new, large estates.

2. Effect on road safety: Housing developments and increased traffic will seriously impact on road safety – for drivers and pedestrians. The elderly infirmed and school children (primary and secondary) will be exposed to increased risks when crossing roads in multiple areas. On the A449, pupils are exposed to this on the way to Summerhill school (opposite the Triangle): this has no traffic control and also runs downhill (with no speed cameras). Lodge Lane is also already heavily double parked and concerns abut safety are high. Currently, there are insufficient pedestrian crossings throughout Wall Heath – crossing the A491 to catch the bus by the Holbeache site is extremely hazardous. Increasing necessary traffic control with much needed extra pedestrian crossings will affect travel time further, adding to the existing issues with congestion. Add to this the ‘human factor’ of drivers using these roads, where queues create frustration, impatience and anger. Just one example: From the Holbeache island down the A491 towards the lights at Stallings Lane, drivers take risks to avoid the ‘Keep Left’ Sign, often at speed, to join the shorter right hand queue. This puts pedestrians, including school children, at risk on crossings close to the Charterfields Estate. Currently, residents find increasing difficulty with access to and from homes. Queuing drivers are not always courteous, causing undue stress for homeowners trying to leave or turn into their drives. This will undoubtedly be exacerbated by increased congestion.

3. Effect of increased congestion on public transport and air quality: Public transport is limited to buses only in our area, with no other alternatives (rail is 30mins+). These are limited in connection and frequency – with no service even to the hospital from Wall Heath. These services are already affected by the volume of traffic at peak times – especially routes along the A491. Increased congestion will impact on service times and reliability further, counteracting initiatives to encourage residents to use buses to reduce air pollution Since Hansen rates parts of Kingswinford as having the worst commuting score from homes to places of employment, residents will have few alternatives but to use own transport, thereby adding to congestion and CO2 emissions. “Motorised road traffic is one of the greatest man-made contributions to carbon dioxide in the atmosphere “ (Dudley Travel Plan). Particle pollution is also caused by tyres and brakes. By making our congested roads even worse, it will impact on local residents who are vulnerable to air pollution – older people, the young and those with chronic illnesses. The A491 feeds into Wordsley High Street as people travel to Stourbridge; already identified as having unsafe air quality where “Nitrogen Dioxide has been measured as exceeding the national air quality objective of 40 ug/m3”

4. Effect on car parking for schools: Difficulties associated with carparking for local schools, this does not resolve the issues of double-parking along roads – increasing risks to children and residents in the area. Sites at Holbeache and the Triangle are not convenient to local schools through winter months – increasing further road use and congestion on the A441 and A491.

5. Effect on school admissions: There are insufficient school places for children across the area. For September 2021 admissions, the only secondary with places for year 7 is Wordsley. Most other year groups are full. There are no places for Reception in Wall Heath for 2021; only one school in Kingswinford with places. Creating spaces by enlarging existing schools will change the character of them, or force buildings that take away car-parking, play areas or fields. Many parents do not want super-size schools; neither do they want to risk not being able to get children into the school of their choice – this has been a problematic issue for years for residents on Maidensbirdge estate wanting to get children into Summerhill. Special needs schools will not suddenly become more available, and neither will places for adults with additional needs. Even through Dudley Appendix A (containing site assessments) states the possibility of building a school at the Triangle, again there is no guarantee due to ‘marginal viability’

6. Effect on NHS and emergency services:

- There are not enough local doctors and dentists in the local area. Residents are being forces to travel out the area to access care. Wall Heath and Kingswinford have a number of elderly residents who cannot physically do this – due to their own capabilities and lack of public transport.
- Pre-lockdown, the average waiting time at Russell’s Hall was over 4 hours (2019). April ’21 inspections show it still ‘requires improvement’
- Longer ambulance wait times (In 2020, the turnaround times reached 60 mins) – this will also increase with more road congestion, thereby risking lives
- Further delays in local health services, mental health services (rapidly growing), hospital treatment and operations for serious illness.
- Strain on our police services: Kingswinford Police Station was closed in 2017; now there are just six community police officers covering 3 wards. Residents are really concerned about increasing crime levels in the area, and these are confirmed by local statistics on Police.uk. Talking to people from all these sectors, we cannot see how these services will cope.

7. Effect on Mental Health: The green belt at Holbeache and the Triangle are much needed, open spaces for mental well-being. They are enjoyed by a large number of the community for walking and appreciating the natural environment. During lockdown, these two beautiful, open spaces helped to reduce anxiety and still continue to do so now. By building on these spaces – creating noise and air pollution, affecting the visual landscape and developing over several years – it will directly affect residents who need them. These two sites help give residents pride in the area. As well as losing the space, additional stress will be created by light pollution and the building work itself will impact on residents, in terms of noise, traffic, visual and smell for a significant period of time (this will also impact on physical health – see point 3 above). Many new residents in our area bought their houses here to get away from the urban sprawl that the Green Belt is meant to protect. They feel betrayed by these proposals.

8. Loss of Green Belt; Effect on local wildlife and the environment:

- All brownfield sites and disused buildings across all other areas of England should be identified to address the national housing need – imposing more housing in already urbanised areas will have further negative impact on the environment and residents. Dudley, which is already a highly concentrated urban area, should not be expected to absorb yet more houses and have to release Green Belt at Wall Heath and Kingswinford because of imposed housing figures and need in other boroughs. This will create further urban sprawl.
- If these two sites are developed, it would put the area at risk of being opened-up to further development by South Staffs in their preferred option plan. At present they prevent urban sprawl along the western edge of the Black country. Just before lockdown, a planning proposal was ‘accidentally’ found which mapped out an industrial park the size of 90 football pitches just metres behind people’s back gardens in Wall Heath. We are sandwiched between two authorities, both assessing the land around us to build on Green Belt. If we are asking South Staffordshire not to build up to border, then Dudley should not either. There is a genuine feeling through the community that the security of choosing a home and having confidence in the future of our environment has been lost.
- Holbeache is VERY GOOD agricultural land – it is Grade 2, where a range of crops can be grown. The Triangle is Grade 3, which is also useful agricultural land. Both reduce the need to import food into Birmingham and contribute to easing resource reliance. The Government committed a 25-year plan to land in the UK, global warming, with hotter summers and colder winters, has affected the quality of crops and subsequent fertility of the soil. Urban areas rely on imported food; here, we have good quality land which the government has a responsibility to protect.
- The hedgerows all around Holbeache and a small plot to the left form a SLINC; The Triangle is also SLINC (Sites of Local Importance for Nature Conservation). Building here will mean loss of wildlife (sighting of owls, buzzards, a pair of red kites, bats – both protected); also, loss of bees and butterflies and biodiversity that the linked wildlife corridors are tyring to protect due to declining numbers. Disrupting the wildlife corridors at both locations would be irreversible.
- Loss of ancient oak trees at the Triangle and ancient hedgerows at Holbeache. Many trees have Tree Preservation Orders. This will also contribute to climate change – replanting schemes will not replace ancient habitats and features of the local environment.
- Loss of yearly daffodils display. They ass to the character of Wall Heath, are photographed across the region and create “a positive image” to enjoy (Ed Lawrence, Exp & Star March 2020). The poppies on the Triangle made national news.
- Flood risk to both areas due to the gradient of the land – this will impact on drainage of the area and ground water.
- Local people appreciate the green belt through walks and cycle rides – there is huge opposition, both local and across the Midlands; we want to protect it for future generations.
- Consideration for the elderly at the residential homes at Holbeache House, who benefit from the environment that the green belt provides.

9. Financial Impacts: The proposed ‘high value’ housing will not solve issues inked to social housing (which is set between 10-30%). Kingswinford and Wall Heath are being classed as ‘growth areas’ – local residents were not consulted about this or the consequences of what it would mean for our small community. There are little nearby employment sires or networks to support this.

10. Impact on Historical Characteristics: The area is connected with the Greensforge Roman Camp at the Triangle and Holbeach House (Wolverhampton Road) – the latter of great historical importance.

Object

Representation ID: 12408

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: M Weston

1. Effect on road infrastructure: Roads into and around Wall Heath and Kingswinford are already struggling to cope – they are heavily congested throughout the day and grid locked, with tailbacks, at peak times on major A491 and A449 routes. These have returned to pre-covid levels with residents incurring daily delays and inconvenience they severely hinder journey times once roadworks and essential maintenance to services are needed, highlighting in advance, the long-term issues that will occur should building plans go ahead. Based on 2.4 people per household, resident numbers will increase by 2071, not including the additional developments, existing and planned, in neighbouring areas (e.g. major developments within 2 miles at Stallings Lane and Ketley Quarry, which do not have infrastructure improvements either). Households use multiple cars and vehicles, which will increase congestion to in an unacceptable level – impacting further on local roads, villages and estates where drivers already use multiple ‘shortcuts’ through estates to avoid congestion (this again is at both sites – however at Holbeache, numerous cars were seen ‘cutting through’ Maidensbridge Estate during a Traffic survey in August ’21 – even though this is signposted as ‘no right turn’. The road infrastructure through Wall Heath and Kingswinford cannot support an increase in traffic volume and new roads cannot be built to alleviate this without compromising more Green Belt, e.g. the Wester Strategic Road. During our survey, 2500+ vehicles were counted within an hour on the A491 at Holbeache during peak morning traffic, despite the fact that is was also school holidays – it included several HGVs and large vehicles. The noise levels are already excessive for residents and will increase significantly. Feedback has shown how these proposals have unsettles those living close to the main roads – some feeling angered and considering leaving the area. There are real concerns about inevitable reductions in housing prices, particularly those nearest to the A491 and A449, as well discontent about the increased amount of tax payer’s money required to create and maintain highways for these new, large estates.

2. Effect on road safety: Housing developments and increased traffic will seriously impact on road safety – for drivers and pedestrians. The elderly infirmed and school children (primary and secondary) will be exposed to increased risks when crossing roads in multiple areas. On the A449, pupils are exposed to this on the way to Summerhill school (opposite the Triangle): this has no traffic control and also runs downhill (with no speed cameras). Lodge Lane is also already heavily double parked and concerns abut safety are high. Currently, there are insufficient pedestrian crossings throughout Wall Heath – crossing the A491 to catch the bus by the Holbeache site is extremely hazardous. Increasing necessary traffic control with much needed extra pedestrian crossings will affect travel time further, adding to the existing issues with congestion. Add to this the ‘human factor’ of drivers using these roads, where queues create frustration, impatience and anger. Just one example: From the Holbeache island down the A491 towards the lights at Stallings Lane, drivers take risks to avoid the ‘Keep Left’ Sign, often at speed, to join the shorter right hand queue. This puts pedestrians, including school children, at risk on crossings close to the Charterfields Estate. Currently, residents find increasing difficulty with access to and from homes. Queuing drivers are not always courteous, causing undue stress for homeowners trying to leave or turn into their drives. This will undoubtedly be exacerbated by increased congestion.

3. Effect of increased congestion on public transport and air quality: Public transport is limited to buses only in our area, with no other alternatives (rail is 30mins+). These are limited in connection and frequency – with no service even to the hospital from Wall Heath. These services are already affected by the volume of traffic at peak times – especially routes along the A491. Increased congestion will impact on service times and reliability further, counteracting initiatives to encourage residents to use buses to reduce air pollution Since Hansen rates parts of Kingswinford as having the worst commuting score from homes to places of employment, residents will have few alternatives but to use own transport, thereby adding to congestion and CO2 emissions. “Motorised road traffic is one of the greatest man-made contributions to carbon dioxide in the atmosphere “ (Dudley Travel Plan). Particle pollution is also caused by tyres and brakes. By making our congested roads even worse, it will impact on local residents who are vulnerable to air pollution – older people, the young and those with chronic illnesses. The A491 feeds into Wordsley High Street as people travel to Stourbridge; already identified as having unsafe air quality where “Nitrogen Dioxide has been measured as exceeding the national air quality objective of 40 ug/m3”

4. Effect on car parking for schools: Difficulties associated with carparking for local schools, this does not resolve the issues of double-parking along roads – increasing risks to children and residents in the area. Sites at Holbeache and the Triangle are not convenient to local schools through winter months – increasing further road use and congestion on the A441 and A491.

5. Effect on school admissions: There are insufficient school places for children across the area. For September 2021 admissions, the only secondary with places for year 7 is Wordsley. Most other year groups are full. There are no places for Reception in Wall Heath for 2021; only one school in Kingswinford with places. Creating spaces by enlarging existing schools will change the character of them, or force buildings that take away car-parking, play areas or fields. Many parents do not want super-size schools; neither do they want to risk not being able to get children into the school of their choice – this has been a problematic issue for years for residents on Maidensbirdge estate wanting to get children into Summerhill. Special needs schools will not suddenly become more available, and neither will places for adults with additional needs. Even through Dudley Appendix A (containing site assessments) states the possibility of building a school at the Triangle, again there is no guarantee due to ‘marginal viability’

6. Effect on NHS and emergency services:

- There are not enough local doctors and dentists in the local area. Residents are being forces to travel out the area to access care. Wall Heath and Kingswinford have a number of elderly residents who cannot physically do this – due to their own capabilities and lack of public transport.
- Pre-lockdown, the average waiting time at Russell’s Hall was over 4 hours (2019). April ’21 inspections show it still ‘requires improvement’
- Longer ambulance wait times (In 2020, the turnaround times reached 60 mins) – this will also increase with more road congestion, thereby risking lives
- Further delays in local health services, mental health services (rapidly growing), hospital treatment and operations for serious illness.
- Strain on our police services: Kingswinford Police Station was closed in 2017; now there are just six community police officers covering 3 wards. Residents are really concerned about increasing crime levels in the area, and these are confirmed by local statistics on Police.uk. Talking to people from all these sectors, we cannot see how these services will cope.

7. Effect on Mental Health: The green belt at Holbeache and the Triangle are much needed, open spaces for mental well-being. They are enjoyed by a large number of the community for walking and appreciating the natural environment. During lockdown, these two beautiful, open spaces helped to reduce anxiety and still continue to do so now. By building on these spaces – creating noise and air pollution, affecting the visual landscape and developing over several years – it will directly affect residents who need them. These two sites help give residents pride in the area. As well as losing the space, additional stress will be created by light pollution and the building work itself will impact on residents, in terms of noise, traffic, visual and smell for a significant period of time (this will also impact on physical health – see point 3 above). Many new residents in our area bought their houses here to get away from the urban sprawl that the Green Belt is meant to protect. They feel betrayed by these proposals.

8. Loss of Green Belt; Effect on local wildlife and the environment:

- All brownfield sites and disused buildings across all other areas of England should be identified to address the national housing need – imposing more housing in already urbanised areas will have further negative impact on the environment and residents. Dudley, which is already a highly concentrated urban area, should not be expected to absorb yet more houses and have to release Green Belt at Wall Heath and Kingswinford because of imposed housing figures and need in other boroughs. This will create further urban sprawl.
- If these two sites are developed, it would put the area at risk of being opened-up to further development by South Staffs in their preferred option plan. At present they prevent urban sprawl along the western edge of the Black country. Just before lockdown, a planning proposal was ‘accidentally’ found which mapped out an industrial park the size of 90 football pitches just metres behind people’s back gardens in Wall Heath. We are sandwiched between two authorities, both assessing the land around us to build on Green Belt. If we are asking South Staffordshire not to build up to border, then Dudley should not either. There is a genuine feeling through the community that the security of choosing a home and having confidence in the future of our environment has been lost.
- Holbeache is VERY GOOD agricultural land – it is Grade 2, where a range of crops can be grown. The Triangle is Grade 3, which is also useful agricultural land. Both reduce the need to import food into Birmingham and contribute to easing resource reliance. The Government committed a 25-year plan to land in the UK, global warming, with hotter summers and colder winters, has affected the quality of crops and subsequent fertility of the soil. Urban areas rely on imported food; here, we have good quality land which the government has a responsibility to protect.
- The hedgerows all around Holbeache and a small plot to the left form a SLINC; The Triangle is also SLINC (Sites of Local Importance for Nature Conservation). Building here will mean loss of wildlife (sighting of owls, buzzards, a pair of red kites, bats – both protected); also, loss of bees and butterflies and biodiversity that the linked wildlife corridors are tyring to protect due to declining numbers. Disrupting the wildlife corridors at both locations would be irreversible.
- Loss of ancient oak trees at the Triangle and ancient hedgerows at Holbeache. Many trees have Tree Preservation Orders. This will also contribute to climate change – replanting schemes will not replace ancient habitats and features of the local environment.
- Loss of yearly daffodils display. They ass to the character of Wall Heath, are photographed across the region and create “a positive image” to enjoy (Ed Lawrence, Exp & Star March 2020). The poppies on the Triangle made national news.
- Flood risk to both areas due to the gradient of the land – this will impact on drainage of the area and ground water.
- Local people appreciate the green belt through walks and cycle rides – there is huge opposition, both local and across the Midlands; we want to protect it for future generations.
- Consideration for the elderly at the residential homes at Holbeache House, who benefit from the environment that the green belt provides.

9. Financial Impacts: The proposed ‘high value’ housing will not solve issues inked to social housing (which is set between 10-30%). Kingswinford and Wall Heath are being classed as ‘growth areas’ – local residents were not consulted about this or the consequences of what it would mean for our small community. There are little nearby employment sires or networks to support this.

10. Impact on Historical Characteristics: The area is connected with the Greensforge Roman Camp at the Triangle and Holbeach House (Wolverhampton Road) – the latter of great historical importance.

Object

Representation ID: 12410

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Mr Andrew Roberts

1. Effect on road infrastructure: Roads into and around Wall Heath and Kingswinford are already struggling to cope – they are heavily congested throughout the day and grid locked, with tailbacks, at peak times on major A491 and A449 routes. These have returned to pre-covid levels with residents incurring daily delays and inconvenience they severely hinder journey times once roadworks and essential maintenance to services are needed, highlighting in advance, the long-term issues that will occur should building plans go ahead. Based on 2.4 people per household, resident numbers will increase by 2071, not including the additional developments, existing and planned, in neighbouring areas (e.g. major developments within 2 miles at Stallings Lane and Ketley Quarry, which do not have infrastructure improvements either). Households use multiple cars and vehicles, which will increase congestion to in an unacceptable level – impacting further on local roads, villages and estates where drivers already use multiple ‘shortcuts’ through estates to avoid congestion (this again is at both sites – however at Holbeache, numerous cars were seen ‘cutting through’ Maidensbridge Estate during a Traffic survey in August ’21 – even though this is signposted as ‘no right turn’. The road infrastructure through Wall Heath and Kingswinford cannot support an increase in traffic volume and new roads cannot be built to alleviate this without compromising more Green Belt, e.g. the Wester Strategic Road. During our survey, 2500+ vehicles were counted within an hour on the A491 at Holbeache during peak morning traffic, despite the fact that is was also school holidays – it included several HGVs and large vehicles. The noise levels are already excessive for residents and will increase significantly. Feedback has shown how these proposals have unsettles those living close to the main roads – some feeling angered and considering leaving the area. There are real concerns about inevitable reductions in housing prices, particularly those nearest to the A491 and A449, as well discontent about the increased amount of tax payer’s money required to create and maintain highways for these new, large estates.

2. Effect on road safety: Housing developments and increased traffic will seriously impact on road safety – for drivers and pedestrians. The elderly infirmed and school children (primary and secondary) will be exposed to increased risks when crossing roads in multiple areas. On the A449, pupils are exposed to this on the way to Summerhill school (opposite the Triangle): this has no traffic control and also runs downhill (with no speed cameras). Lodge Lane is also already heavily double parked and concerns abut safety are high. Currently, there are insufficient pedestrian crossings throughout Wall Heath – crossing the A491 to catch the bus by the Holbeache site is extremely hazardous. Increasing necessary traffic control with much needed extra pedestrian crossings will affect travel time further, adding to the existing issues with congestion. Add to this the ‘human factor’ of drivers using these roads, where queues create frustration, impatience and anger. Just one example: From the Holbeache island down the A491 towards the lights at Stallings Lane, drivers take risks to avoid the ‘Keep Left’ Sign, often at speed, to join the shorter right hand queue. This puts pedestrians, including school children, at risk on crossings close to the Charterfields Estate. Currently, residents find increasing difficulty with access to and from homes. Queuing drivers are not always courteous, causing undue stress for homeowners trying to leave or turn into their drives. This will undoubtedly be exacerbated by increased congestion.

3. Effect of increased congestion on public transport and air quality: Public transport is limited to buses only in our area, with no other alternatives (rail is 30mins+). These are limited in connection and frequency – with no service even to the hospital from Wall Heath. These services are already affected by the volume of traffic at peak times – especially routes along the A491. Increased congestion will impact on service times and reliability further, counteracting initiatives to encourage residents to use buses to reduce air pollution Since Hansen rates parts of Kingswinford as having the worst commuting score from homes to places of employment, residents will have few alternatives but to use own transport, thereby adding to congestion and CO2 emissions. “Motorised road traffic is one of the greatest man-made contributions to carbon dioxide in the atmosphere “ (Dudley Travel Plan). Particle pollution is also caused by tyres and brakes. By making our congested roads even worse, it will impact on local residents who are vulnerable to air pollution – older people, the young and those with chronic illnesses. The A491 feeds into Wordsley High Street as people travel to Stourbridge; already identified as having unsafe air quality where “Nitrogen Dioxide has been measured as exceeding the national air quality objective of 40 ug/m3”

4. Effect on car parking for schools: Difficulties associated with carparking for local schools, this does not resolve the issues of double-parking along roads – increasing risks to children and residents in the area. Sites at Holbeache and the Triangle are not convenient to local schools through winter months – increasing further road use and congestion on the A441 and A491.

5. Effect on school admissions: There are insufficient school places for children across the area. For September 2021 admissions, the only secondary with places for year 7 is Wordsley. Most other year groups are full. There are no places for Reception in Wall Heath for 2021; only one school in Kingswinford with places. Creating spaces by enlarging existing schools will change the character of them, or force buildings that take away car-parking, play areas or fields. Many parents do not want super-size schools; neither do they want to risk not being able to get children into the school of their choice – this has been a problematic issue for years for residents on Maidensbirdge estate wanting to get children into Summerhill. Special needs schools will not suddenly become more available, and neither will places for adults with additional needs. Even through Dudley Appendix A (containing site assessments) states the possibility of building a school at the Triangle, again there is no guarantee due to ‘marginal viability’

6. Effect on NHS and emergency services:

- There are not enough local doctors and dentists in the local area. Residents are being forces to travel out the area to access care. Wall Heath and Kingswinford have a number of elderly residents who cannot physically do this – due to their own capabilities and lack of public transport.
- Pre-lockdown, the average waiting time at Russell’s Hall was over 4 hours (2019). April ’21 inspections show it still ‘requires improvement’
- Longer ambulance wait times (In 2020, the turnaround times reached 60 mins) – this will also increase with more road congestion, thereby risking lives
- Further delays in local health services, mental health services (rapidly growing), hospital treatment and operations for serious illness.
- Strain on our police services: Kingswinford Police Station was closed in 2017; now there are just six community police officers covering 3 wards. Residents are really concerned about increasing crime levels in the area, and these are confirmed by local statistics on Police.uk. Talking to people from all these sectors, we cannot see how these services will cope.

7. Effect on Mental Health: The green belt at Holbeache and the Triangle are much needed, open spaces for mental well-being. They are enjoyed by a large number of the community for walking and appreciating the natural environment. During lockdown, these two beautiful, open spaces helped to reduce anxiety and still continue to do so now. By building on these spaces – creating noise and air pollution, affecting the visual landscape and developing over several years – it will directly affect residents who need them. These two sites help give residents pride in the area. As well as losing the space, additional stress will be created by light pollution and the building work itself will impact on residents, in terms of noise, traffic, visual and smell for a significant period of time (this will also impact on physical health – see point 3 above). Many new residents in our area bought their houses here to get away from the urban sprawl that the Green Belt is meant to protect. They feel betrayed by these proposals.

8. Loss of Green Belt; Effect on local wildlife and the environment:

- All brownfield sites and disused buildings across all other areas of England should be identified to address the national housing need – imposing more housing in already urbanised areas will have further negative impact on the environment and residents. Dudley, which is already a highly concentrated urban area, should not be expected to absorb yet more houses and have to release Green Belt at Wall Heath and Kingswinford because of imposed housing figures and need in other boroughs. This will create further urban sprawl.
- If these two sites are developed, it would put the area at risk of being opened-up to further development by South Staffs in their preferred option plan. At present they prevent urban sprawl along the western edge of the Black country. Just before lockdown, a planning proposal was ‘accidentally’ found which mapped out an industrial park the size of 90 football pitches just metres behind people’s back gardens in Wall Heath. We are sandwiched between two authorities, both assessing the land around us to build on Green Belt. If we are asking South Staffordshire not to build up to border, then Dudley should not either. There is a genuine feeling through the community that the security of choosing a home and having confidence in the future of our environment has been lost.
- Holbeache is VERY GOOD agricultural land – it is Grade 2, where a range of crops can be grown. The Triangle is Grade 3, which is also useful agricultural land. Both reduce the need to import food into Birmingham and contribute to easing resource reliance. The Government committed a 25-year plan to land in the UK, global warming, with hotter summers and colder winters, has affected the quality of crops and subsequent fertility of the soil. Urban areas rely on imported food; here, we have good quality land which the government has a responsibility to protect.
- The hedgerows all around Holbeache and a small plot to the left form a SLINC; The Triangle is also SLINC (Sites of Local Importance for Nature Conservation). Building here will mean loss of wildlife (sighting of owls, buzzards, a pair of red kites, bats – both protected); also, loss of bees and butterflies and biodiversity that the linked wildlife corridors are tyring to protect due to declining numbers. Disrupting the wildlife corridors at both locations would be irreversible.
- Loss of ancient oak trees at the Triangle and ancient hedgerows at Holbeache. Many trees have Tree Preservation Orders. This will also contribute to climate change – replanting schemes will not replace ancient habitats and features of the local environment.
- Loss of yearly daffodils display. They ass to the character of Wall Heath, are photographed across the region and create “a positive image” to enjoy (Ed Lawrence, Exp & Star March 2020). The poppies on the Triangle made national news.
- Flood risk to both areas due to the gradient of the land – this will impact on drainage of the area and ground water.
- Local people appreciate the green belt through walks and cycle rides – there is huge opposition, both local and across the Midlands; we want to protect it for future generations.
- Consideration for the elderly at the residential homes at Holbeache House, who benefit from the environment that the green belt provides.

9. Financial Impacts: The proposed ‘high value’ housing will not solve issues inked to social housing (which is set between 10-30%). Kingswinford and Wall Heath are being classed as ‘growth areas’ – local residents were not consulted about this or the consequences of what it would mean for our small community. There are little nearby employment sires or networks to support this.

10. Impact on Historical Characteristics: The area is connected with the Greensforge Roman Camp at the Triangle and Holbeach House (Wolverhampton Road) – the latter of great historical importance.

Object

Representation ID: 12412

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: E Bayford

1. Effect on road infrastructure: Roads into and around Wall Heath and Kingswinford are already struggling to cope – they are heavily congested throughout the day and grid locked, with tailbacks, at peak times on major A491 and A449 routes. These have returned to pre-covid levels with residents incurring daily delays and inconvenience they severely hinder journey times once roadworks and essential maintenance to services are needed, highlighting in advance, the long-term issues that will occur should building plans go ahead. Based on 2.4 people per household, resident numbers will increase by 2071, not including the additional developments, existing and planned, in neighbouring areas (e.g. major developments within 2 miles at Stallings Lane and Ketley Quarry, which do not have infrastructure improvements either). Households use multiple cars and vehicles, which will increase congestion to in an unacceptable level – impacting further on local roads, villages and estates where drivers already use multiple ‘shortcuts’ through estates to avoid congestion (this again is at both sites – however at Holbeache, numerous cars were seen ‘cutting through’ Maidensbridge Estate during a Traffic survey in August ’21 – even though this is signposted as ‘no right turn’. The road infrastructure through Wall Heath and Kingswinford cannot support an increase in traffic volume and new roads cannot be built to alleviate this without compromising more Green Belt, e.g. the Wester Strategic Road. During our survey, 2500+ vehicles were counted within an hour on the A491 at Holbeache during peak morning traffic, despite the fact that is was also school holidays – it included several HGVs and large vehicles. The noise levels are already excessive for residents and will increase significantly. Feedback has shown how these proposals have unsettles those living close to the main roads – some feeling angered and considering leaving the area. There are real concerns about inevitable reductions in housing prices, particularly those nearest to the A491 and A449, as well discontent about the increased amount of tax payer’s money required to create and maintain highways for these new, large estates.

2. Effect on road safety: Housing developments and increased traffic will seriously impact on road safety – for drivers and pedestrians. The elderly infirmed and school children (primary and secondary) will be exposed to increased risks when crossing roads in multiple areas. On the A449, pupils are exposed to this on the way to Summerhill school (opposite the Triangle): this has no traffic control and also runs downhill (with no speed cameras). Lodge Lane is also already heavily double parked and concerns abut safety are high. Currently, there are insufficient pedestrian crossings throughout Wall Heath – crossing the A491 to catch the bus by the Holbeache site is extremely hazardous. Increasing necessary traffic control with much needed extra pedestrian crossings will affect travel time further, adding to the existing issues with congestion. Add to this the ‘human factor’ of drivers using these roads, where queues create frustration, impatience and anger. Just one example: From the Holbeache island down the A491 towards the lights at Stallings Lane, drivers take risks to avoid the ‘Keep Left’ Sign, often at speed, to join the shorter right hand queue. This puts pedestrians, including school children, at risk on crossings close to the Charterfields Estate. Currently, residents find increasing difficulty with access to and from homes. Queuing drivers are not always courteous, causing undue stress for homeowners trying to leave or turn into their drives. This will undoubtedly be exacerbated by increased congestion.

3. Effect of increased congestion on public transport and air quality: Public transport is limited to buses only in our area, with no other alternatives (rail is 30mins+). These are limited in connection and frequency – with no service even to the hospital from Wall Heath. These services are already affected by the volume of traffic at peak times – especially routes along the A491. Increased congestion will impact on service times and reliability further, counteracting initiatives to encourage residents to use buses to reduce air pollution Since Hansen rates parts of Kingswinford as having the worst commuting score from homes to places of employment, residents will have few alternatives but to use own transport, thereby adding to congestion and CO2 emissions. “Motorised road traffic is one of the greatest man-made contributions to carbon dioxide in the atmosphere “ (Dudley Travel Plan). Particle pollution is also caused by tyres and brakes. By making our congested roads even worse, it will impact on local residents who are vulnerable to air pollution – older people, the young and those with chronic illnesses. The A491 feeds into Wordsley High Street as people travel to Stourbridge; already identified as having unsafe air quality where “Nitrogen Dioxide has been measured as exceeding the national air quality objective of 40 ug/m3”

4. Effect on car parking for schools: Difficulties associated with carparking for local schools, this does not resolve the issues of double-parking along roads – increasing risks to children and residents in the area. Sites at Holbeache and the Triangle are not convenient to local schools through winter months – increasing further road use and congestion on the A441 and A491.

5. Effect on school admissions: There are insufficient school places for children across the area. For September 2021 admissions, the only secondary with places for year 7 is Wordsley. Most other year groups are full. There are no places for Reception in Wall Heath for 2021; only one school in Kingswinford with places. Creating spaces by enlarging existing schools will change the character of them, or force buildings that take away car-parking, play areas or fields. Many parents do not want super-size schools; neither do they want to risk not being able to get children into the school of their choice – this has been a problematic issue for years for residents on Maidensbirdge estate wanting to get children into Summerhill. Special needs schools will not suddenly become more available, and neither will places for adults with additional needs. Even through Dudley Appendix A (containing site assessments) states the possibility of building a school at the Triangle, again there is no guarantee due to ‘marginal viability’

6. Effect on NHS and emergency services:

- There are not enough local doctors and dentists in the local area. Residents are being forces to travel out the area to access care. Wall Heath and Kingswinford have a number of elderly residents who cannot physically do this – due to their own capabilities and lack of public transport.
- Pre-lockdown, the average waiting time at Russell’s Hall was over 4 hours (2019). April ’21 inspections show it still ‘requires improvement’
- Longer ambulance wait times (In 2020, the turnaround times reached 60 mins) – this will also increase with more road congestion, thereby risking lives
- Further delays in local health services, mental health services (rapidly growing), hospital treatment and operations for serious illness.
- Strain on our police services: Kingswinford Police Station was closed in 2017; now there are just six community police officers covering 3 wards. Residents are really concerned about increasing crime levels in the area, and these are confirmed by local statistics on Police.uk. Talking to people from all these sectors, we cannot see how these services will cope.

7. Effect on Mental Health: The green belt at Holbeache and the Triangle are much needed, open spaces for mental well-being. They are enjoyed by a large number of the community for walking and appreciating the natural environment. During lockdown, these two beautiful, open spaces helped to reduce anxiety and still continue to do so now. By building on these spaces – creating noise and air pollution, affecting the visual landscape and developing over several years – it will directly affect residents who need them. These two sites help give residents pride in the area. As well as losing the space, additional stress will be created by light pollution and the building work itself will impact on residents, in terms of noise, traffic, visual and smell for a significant period of time (this will also impact on physical health – see point 3 above). Many new residents in our area bought their houses here to get away from the urban sprawl that the Green Belt is meant to protect. They feel betrayed by these proposals.

8. Loss of Green Belt; Effect on local wildlife and the environment:

- All brownfield sites and disused buildings across all other areas of England should be identified to address the national housing need – imposing more housing in already urbanised areas will have further negative impact on the environment and residents. Dudley, which is already a highly concentrated urban area, should not be expected to absorb yet more houses and have to release Green Belt at Wall Heath and Kingswinford because of imposed housing figures and need in other boroughs. This will create further urban sprawl.
- If these two sites are developed, it would put the area at risk of being opened-up to further development by South Staffs in their preferred option plan. At present they prevent urban sprawl along the western edge of the Black country. Just before lockdown, a planning proposal was ‘accidentally’ found which mapped out an industrial park the size of 90 football pitches just metres behind people’s back gardens in Wall Heath. We are sandwiched between two authorities, both assessing the land around us to build on Green Belt. If we are asking South Staffordshire not to build up to border, then Dudley should not either. There is a genuine feeling through the community that the security of choosing a home and having confidence in the future of our environment has been lost.
- Holbeache is VERY GOOD agricultural land – it is Grade 2, where a range of crops can be grown. The Triangle is Grade 3, which is also useful agricultural land. Both reduce the need to import food into Birmingham and contribute to easing resource reliance. The Government committed a 25-year plan to land in the UK, global warming, with hotter summers and colder winters, has affected the quality of crops and subsequent fertility of the soil. Urban areas rely on imported food; here, we have good quality land which the government has a responsibility to protect.
- The hedgerows all around Holbeache and a small plot to the left form a SLINC; The Triangle is also SLINC (Sites of Local Importance for Nature Conservation). Building here will mean loss of wildlife (sighting of owls, buzzards, a pair of red kites, bats – both protected); also, loss of bees and butterflies and biodiversity that the linked wildlife corridors are tyring to protect due to declining numbers. Disrupting the wildlife corridors at both locations would be irreversible.
- Loss of ancient oak trees at the Triangle and ancient hedgerows at Holbeache. Many trees have Tree Preservation Orders. This will also contribute to climate change – replanting schemes will not replace ancient habitats and features of the local environment.
- Loss of yearly daffodils display. They ass to the character of Wall Heath, are photographed across the region and create “a positive image” to enjoy (Ed Lawrence, Exp & Star March 2020). The poppies on the Triangle made national news.
- Flood risk to both areas due to the gradient of the land – this will impact on drainage of the area and ground water.
- Local people appreciate the green belt through walks and cycle rides – there is huge opposition, both local and across the Midlands; we want to protect it for future generations.
- Consideration for the elderly at the residential homes at Holbeache House, who benefit from the environment that the green belt provides.

9. Financial Impacts: The proposed ‘high value’ housing will not solve issues inked to social housing (which is set between 10-30%). Kingswinford and Wall Heath are being classed as ‘growth areas’ – local residents were not consulted about this or the consequences of what it would mean for our small community. There are little nearby employment sires or networks to support this.

10. Impact on Historical Characteristics: The area is connected with the Greensforge Roman Camp at the Triangle and Holbeach House (Wolverhampton Road) – the latter of great historical importance.

Object

Representation ID: 12414

Received: 02/10/2021

Respondent: Barbara Sutton

Holbeache ref 208 p371
Triangle ref 211 p371
1)Effect on local services- NHS
- not enough doctors+dentists in local area.
2) Effect on local services: Roads
A449 already very busy + noisy + congested.
-higher C02 emissions, more bus delays
- A second access road onto A449 would slow traffic forcing drivers to cut through Maidensbridge estate + use village roads.
3) Schools- senior and primary schools are already full.
4) loss of Greenbelt + impact on local wildlife and environment- needs to be protected for future generations.
5)proposal is for very expensive housing- more affordable housing is required not mansions. The scale of the proposed builds will cause air + water pollution during the time of the build, which will impact on residents on Charterfields and Maidensbridge.
Our 'Green' spaces are diminishing and we need to protect them at all cost

Object

Representation ID: 12416

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: s Sprague

1. Effect on road infrastructure: Roads into and around Wall Heath and Kingswinford are already struggling to cope – they are heavily congested throughout the day and grid locked, with tailbacks, at peak times on major A491 and A449 routes. These have returned to pre-covid levels with residents incurring daily delays and inconvenience they severely hinder journey times once roadworks and essential maintenance to services are needed, highlighting in advance, the long-term issues that will occur should building plans go ahead. Based on 2.4 people per household, resident numbers will increase by 2071, not including the additional developments, existing and planned, in neighbouring areas (e.g. major developments within 2 miles at Stallings Lane and Ketley Quarry, which do not have infrastructure improvements either). Households use multiple cars and vehicles, which will increase congestion to in an unacceptable level – impacting further on local roads, villages and estates where drivers already use multiple ‘shortcuts’ through estates to avoid congestion (this again is at both sites – however at Holbeache, numerous cars were seen ‘cutting through’ Maidensbridge Estate during a Traffic survey in August ’21 – even though this is signposted as ‘no right turn’. The road infrastructure through Wall Heath and Kingswinford cannot support an increase in traffic volume and new roads cannot be built to alleviate this without compromising more Green Belt, e.g. the Wester Strategic Road. During our survey, 2500+ vehicles were counted within an hour on the A491 at Holbeache during peak morning traffic, despite the fact that is was also school holidays – it included several HGVs and large vehicles. The noise levels are already excessive for residents and will increase significantly. Feedback has shown how these proposals have unsettles those living close to the main roads – some feeling angered and considering leaving the area. There are real concerns about inevitable reductions in housing prices, particularly those nearest to the A491 and A449, as well discontent about the increased amount of tax payer’s money required to create and maintain highways for these new, large estates.

2. Effect on road safety: Housing developments and increased traffic will seriously impact on road safety – for drivers and pedestrians. The elderly infirmed and school children (primary and secondary) will be exposed to increased risks when crossing roads in multiple areas. On the A449, pupils are exposed to this on the way to Summerhill school (opposite the Triangle): this has no traffic control and also runs downhill (with no speed cameras). Lodge Lane is also already heavily double parked and concerns abut safety are high. Currently, there are insufficient pedestrian crossings throughout Wall Heath – crossing the A491 to catch the bus by the Holbeache site is extremely hazardous. Increasing necessary traffic control with much needed extra pedestrian crossings will affect travel time further, adding to the existing issues with congestion. Add to this the ‘human factor’ of drivers using these roads, where queues create frustration, impatience and anger. Just one example: From the Holbeache island down the A491 towards the lights at Stallings Lane, drivers take risks to avoid the ‘Keep Left’ Sign, often at speed, to join the shorter right hand queue. This puts pedestrians, including school children, at risk on crossings close to the Charterfields Estate. Currently, residents find increasing difficulty with access to and from homes. Queuing drivers are not always courteous, causing undue stress for homeowners trying to leave or turn into their drives. This will undoubtedly be exacerbated by increased congestion.

3. Effect of increased congestion on public transport and air quality: Public transport is limited to buses only in our area, with no other alternatives (rail is 30mins+). These are limited in connection and frequency – with no service even to the hospital from Wall Heath. These services are already affected by the volume of traffic at peak times – especially routes along the A491. Increased congestion will impact on service times and reliability further, counteracting initiatives to encourage residents to use buses to reduce air pollution Since Hansen rates parts of Kingswinford as having the worst commuting score from homes to places of employment, residents will have few alternatives but to use own transport, thereby adding to congestion and CO2 emissions. “Motorised road traffic is one of the greatest man-made contributions to carbon dioxide in the atmosphere “ (Dudley Travel Plan). Particle pollution is also caused by tyres and brakes. By making our congested roads even worse, it will impact on local residents who are vulnerable to air pollution – older people, the young and those with chronic illnesses. The A491 feeds into Wordsley High Street as people travel to Stourbridge; already identified as having unsafe air quality where “Nitrogen Dioxide has been measured as exceeding the national air quality objective of 40 ug/m3”

4. Effect on car parking for schools: Difficulties associated with carparking for local schools, this does not resolve the issues of double-parking along roads – increasing risks to children and residents in the area. Sites at Holbeache and the Triangle are not convenient to local schools through winter months – increasing further road use and congestion on the A441 and A491.

5. Effect on school admissions: There are insufficient school places for children across the area. For September 2021 admissions, the only secondary with places for year 7 is Wordsley. Most other year groups are full. There are no places for Reception in Wall Heath for 2021; only one school in Kingswinford with places. Creating spaces by enlarging existing schools will change the character of them, or force buildings that take away car-parking, play areas or fields. Many parents do not want super-size schools; neither do they want to risk not being able to get children into the school of their choice – this has been a problematic issue for years for residents on Maidensbirdge estate wanting to get children into Summerhill. Special needs schools will not suddenly become more available, and neither will places for adults with additional needs. Even through Dudley Appendix A (containing site assessments) states the possibility of building a school at the Triangle, again there is no guarantee due to ‘marginal viability’

6. Effect on NHS and emergency services:

- There are not enough local doctors and dentists in the local area. Residents are being forces to travel out the area to access care. Wall Heath and Kingswinford have a number of elderly residents who cannot physically do this – due to their own capabilities and lack of public transport.
- Pre-lockdown, the average waiting time at Russell’s Hall was over 4 hours (2019). April ’21 inspections show it still ‘requires improvement’
- Longer ambulance wait times (In 2020, the turnaround times reached 60 mins) – this will also increase with more road congestion, thereby risking lives
- Further delays in local health services, mental health services (rapidly growing), hospital treatment and operations for serious illness.
- Strain on our police services: Kingswinford Police Station was closed in 2017; now there are just six community police officers covering 3 wards. Residents are really concerned about increasing crime levels in the area, and these are confirmed by local statistics on Police.uk. Talking to people from all these sectors, we cannot see how these services will cope.

7. Effect on Mental Health: The green belt at Holbeache and the Triangle are much needed, open spaces for mental well-being. They are enjoyed by a large number of the community for walking and appreciating the natural environment. During lockdown, these two beautiful, open spaces helped to reduce anxiety and still continue to do so now. By building on these spaces – creating noise and air pollution, affecting the visual landscape and developing over several years – it will directly affect residents who need them. These two sites help give residents pride in the area. As well as losing the space, additional stress will be created by light pollution and the building work itself will impact on residents, in terms of noise, traffic, visual and smell for a significant period of time (this will also impact on physical health – see point 3 above). Many new residents in our area bought their houses here to get away from the urban sprawl that the Green Belt is meant to protect. They feel betrayed by these proposals.

8. Loss of Green Belt; Effect on local wildlife and the environment:

- All brownfield sites and disused buildings across all other areas of England should be identified to address the national housing need – imposing more housing in already urbanised areas will have further negative impact on the environment and residents. Dudley, which is already a highly concentrated urban area, should not be expected to absorb yet more houses and have to release Green Belt at Wall Heath and Kingswinford because of imposed housing figures and need in other boroughs. This will create further urban sprawl.
- If these two sites are developed, it would put the area at risk of being opened-up to further development by South Staffs in their preferred option plan. At present they prevent urban sprawl along the western edge of the Black country. Just before lockdown, a planning proposal was ‘accidentally’ found which mapped out an industrial park the size of 90 football pitches just metres behind people’s back gardens in Wall Heath. We are sandwiched between two authorities, both assessing the land around us to build on Green Belt. If we are asking South Staffordshire not to build up to border, then Dudley should not either. There is a genuine feeling through the community that the security of choosing a home and having confidence in the future of our environment has been lost.
- Holbeache is VERY GOOD agricultural land – it is Grade 2, where a range of crops can be grown. The Triangle is Grade 3, which is also useful agricultural land. Both reduce the need to import food into Birmingham and contribute to easing resource reliance. The Government committed a 25-year plan to land in the UK, global warming, with hotter summers and colder winters, has affected the quality of crops and subsequent fertility of the soil. Urban areas rely on imported food; here, we have good quality land which the government has a responsibility to protect.
- The hedgerows all around Holbeache and a small plot to the left form a SLINC; The Triangle is also SLINC (Sites of Local Importance for Nature Conservation). Building here will mean loss of wildlife (sighting of owls, buzzards, a pair of red kites, bats – both protected); also, loss of bees and butterflies and biodiversity that the linked wildlife corridors are tyring to protect due to declining numbers. Disrupting the wildlife corridors at both locations would be irreversible.
- Loss of ancient oak trees at the Triangle and ancient hedgerows at Holbeache. Many trees have Tree Preservation Orders. This will also contribute to climate change – replanting schemes will not replace ancient habitats and features of the local environment.
- Loss of yearly daffodils display. They ass to the character of Wall Heath, are photographed across the region and create “a positive image” to enjoy (Ed Lawrence, Exp & Star March 2020). The poppies on the Triangle made national news.
- Flood risk to both areas due to the gradient of the land – this will impact on drainage of the area and ground water.
- Local people appreciate the green belt through walks and cycle rides – there is huge opposition, both local and across the Midlands; we want to protect it for future generations.
- Consideration for the elderly at the residential homes at Holbeache House, who benefit from the environment that the green belt provides.

9. Financial Impacts: The proposed ‘high value’ housing will not solve issues inked to social housing (which is set between 10-30%). Kingswinford and Wall Heath are being classed as ‘growth areas’ – local residents were not consulted about this or the consequences of what it would mean for our small community. There are little nearby employment sires or networks to support this.

10. Impact on Historical Characteristics: The area is connected with the Greensforge Roman Camp at the Triangle and Holbeach House (Wolverhampton Road) – the latter of great historical importance.

Object

Representation ID: 12418

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: M Bayford

1. Effect on road infrastructure: Roads into and around Wall Heath and Kingswinford are already struggling to cope – they are heavily congested throughout the day and grid locked, with tailbacks, at peak times on major A491 and A449 routes. These have returned to pre-covid levels with residents incurring daily delays and inconvenience they severely hinder journey times once roadworks and essential maintenance to services are needed, highlighting in advance, the long-term issues that will occur should building plans go ahead. Based on 2.4 people per household, resident numbers will increase by 2071, not including the additional developments, existing and planned, in neighbouring areas (e.g. major developments within 2 miles at Stallings Lane and Ketley Quarry, which do not have infrastructure improvements either). Households use multiple cars and vehicles, which will increase congestion to in an unacceptable level – impacting further on local roads, villages and estates where drivers already use multiple ‘shortcuts’ through estates to avoid congestion (this again is at both sites – however at Holbeache, numerous cars were seen ‘cutting through’ Maidensbridge Estate during a Traffic survey in August ’21 – even though this is signposted as ‘no right turn’. The road infrastructure through Wall Heath and Kingswinford cannot support an increase in traffic volume and new roads cannot be built to alleviate this without compromising more Green Belt, e.g. the Wester Strategic Road. During our survey, 2500+ vehicles were counted within an hour on the A491 at Holbeache during peak morning traffic, despite the fact that is was also school holidays – it included several HGVs and large vehicles. The noise levels are already excessive for residents and will increase significantly. Feedback has shown how these proposals have unsettles those living close to the main roads – some feeling angered and considering leaving the area. There are real concerns about inevitable reductions in housing prices, particularly those nearest to the A491 and A449, as well discontent about the increased amount of tax payer’s money required to create and maintain highways for these new, large estates.

2. Effect on road safety: Housing developments and increased traffic will seriously impact on road safety – for drivers and pedestrians. The elderly infirmed and school children (primary and secondary) will be exposed to increased risks when crossing roads in multiple areas. On the A449, pupils are exposed to this on the way to Summerhill school (opposite the Triangle): this has no traffic control and also runs downhill (with no speed cameras). Lodge Lane is also already heavily double parked and concerns abut safety are high. Currently, there are insufficient pedestrian crossings throughout Wall Heath – crossing the A491 to catch the bus by the Holbeache site is extremely hazardous. Increasing necessary traffic control with much needed extra pedestrian crossings will affect travel time further, adding to the existing issues with congestion. Add to this the ‘human factor’ of drivers using these roads, where queues create frustration, impatience and anger. Just one example: From the Holbeache island down the A491 towards the lights at Stallings Lane, drivers take risks to avoid the ‘Keep Left’ Sign, often at speed, to join the shorter right hand queue. This puts pedestrians, including school children, at risk on crossings close to the Charterfields Estate. Currently, residents find increasing difficulty with access to and from homes. Queuing drivers are not always courteous, causing undue stress for homeowners trying to leave or turn into their drives. This will undoubtedly be exacerbated by increased congestion.

3. Effect of increased congestion on public transport and air quality: Public transport is limited to buses only in our area, with no other alternatives (rail is 30mins+). These are limited in connection and frequency – with no service even to the hospital from Wall Heath. These services are already affected by the volume of traffic at peak times – especially routes along the A491. Increased congestion will impact on service times and reliability further, counteracting initiatives to encourage residents to use buses to reduce air pollution Since Hansen rates parts of Kingswinford as having the worst commuting score from homes to places of employment, residents will have few alternatives but to use own transport, thereby adding to congestion and CO2 emissions. “Motorised road traffic is one of the greatest man-made contributions to carbon dioxide in the atmosphere “ (Dudley Travel Plan). Particle pollution is also caused by tyres and brakes. By making our congested roads even worse, it will impact on local residents who are vulnerable to air pollution – older people, the young and those with chronic illnesses. The A491 feeds into Wordsley High Street as people travel to Stourbridge; already identified as having unsafe air quality where “Nitrogen Dioxide has been measured as exceeding the national air quality objective of 40 ug/m3”

4. Effect on car parking for schools: Difficulties associated with carparking for local schools, this does not resolve the issues of double-parking along roads – increasing risks to children and residents in the area. Sites at Holbeache and the Triangle are not convenient to local schools through winter months – increasing further road use and congestion on the A441 and A491.

5. Effect on school admissions: There are insufficient school places for children across the area. For September 2021 admissions, the only secondary with places for year 7 is Wordsley. Most other year groups are full. There are no places for Reception in Wall Heath for 2021; only one school in Kingswinford with places. Creating spaces by enlarging existing schools will change the character of them, or force buildings that take away car-parking, play areas or fields. Many parents do not want super-size schools; neither do they want to risk not being able to get children into the school of their choice – this has been a problematic issue for years for residents on Maidensbirdge estate wanting to get children into Summerhill. Special needs schools will not suddenly become more available, and neither will places for adults with additional needs. Even through Dudley Appendix A (containing site assessments) states the possibility of building a school at the Triangle, again there is no guarantee due to ‘marginal viability’

6. Effect on NHS and emergency services:

- There are not enough local doctors and dentists in the local area. Residents are being forces to travel out the area to access care. Wall Heath and Kingswinford have a number of elderly residents who cannot physically do this – due to their own capabilities and lack of public transport.
- Pre-lockdown, the average waiting time at Russell’s Hall was over 4 hours (2019). April ’21 inspections show it still ‘requires improvement’
- Longer ambulance wait times (In 2020, the turnaround times reached 60 mins) – this will also increase with more road congestion, thereby risking lives
- Further delays in local health services, mental health services (rapidly growing), hospital treatment and operations for serious illness.
- Strain on our police services: Kingswinford Police Station was closed in 2017; now there are just six community police officers covering 3 wards. Residents are really concerned about increasing crime levels in the area, and these are confirmed by local statistics on Police.uk. Talking to people from all these sectors, we cannot see how these services will cope.

7. Effect on Mental Health: The green belt at Holbeache and the Triangle are much needed, open spaces for mental well-being. They are enjoyed by a large number of the community for walking and appreciating the natural environment. During lockdown, these two beautiful, open spaces helped to reduce anxiety and still continue to do so now. By building on these spaces – creating noise and air pollution, affecting the visual landscape and developing over several years – it will directly affect residents who need them. These two sites help give residents pride in the area. As well as losing the space, additional stress will be created by light pollution and the building work itself will impact on residents, in terms of noise, traffic, visual and smell for a significant period of time (this will also impact on physical health – see point 3 above). Many new residents in our area bought their houses here to get away from the urban sprawl that the Green Belt is meant to protect. They feel betrayed by these proposals.

8. Loss of Green Belt; Effect on local wildlife and the environment:

- All brownfield sites and disused buildings across all other areas of England should be identified to address the national housing need – imposing more housing in already urbanised areas will have further negative impact on the environment and residents. Dudley, which is already a highly concentrated urban area, should not be expected to absorb yet more houses and have to release Green Belt at Wall Heath and Kingswinford because of imposed housing figures and need in other boroughs. This will create further urban sprawl.
- If these two sites are developed, it would put the area at risk of being opened-up to further development by South Staffs in their preferred option plan. At present they prevent urban sprawl along the western edge of the Black country. Just before lockdown, a planning proposal was ‘accidentally’ found which mapped out an industrial park the size of 90 football pitches just metres behind people’s back gardens in Wall Heath. We are sandwiched between two authorities, both assessing the land around us to build on Green Belt. If we are asking South Staffordshire not to build up to border, then Dudley should not either. There is a genuine feeling through the community that the security of choosing a home and having confidence in the future of our environment has been lost.
- Holbeache is VERY GOOD agricultural land – it is Grade 2, where a range of crops can be grown. The Triangle is Grade 3, which is also useful agricultural land. Both reduce the need to import food into Birmingham and contribute to easing resource reliance. The Government committed a 25-year plan to land in the UK, global warming, with hotter summers and colder winters, has affected the quality of crops and subsequent fertility of the soil. Urban areas rely on imported food; here, we have good quality land which the government has a responsibility to protect.
- The hedgerows all around Holbeache and a small plot to the left form a SLINC; The Triangle is also SLINC (Sites of Local Importance for Nature Conservation). Building here will mean loss of wildlife (sighting of owls, buzzards, a pair of red kites, bats – both protected); also, loss of bees and butterflies and biodiversity that the linked wildlife corridors are tyring to protect due to declining numbers. Disrupting the wildlife corridors at both locations would be irreversible.
- Loss of ancient oak trees at the Triangle and ancient hedgerows at Holbeache. Many trees have Tree Preservation Orders. This will also contribute to climate change – replanting schemes will not replace ancient habitats and features of the local environment.
- Loss of yearly daffodils display. They ass to the character of Wall Heath, are photographed across the region and create “a positive image” to enjoy (Ed Lawrence, Exp & Star March 2020). The poppies on the Triangle made national news.
- Flood risk to both areas due to the gradient of the land – this will impact on drainage of the area and ground water.
- Local people appreciate the green belt through walks and cycle rides – there is huge opposition, both local and across the Midlands; we want to protect it for future generations.
- Consideration for the elderly at the residential homes at Holbeache House, who benefit from the environment that the green belt provides.

9. Financial Impacts: The proposed ‘high value’ housing will not solve issues inked to social housing (which is set between 10-30%). Kingswinford and Wall Heath are being classed as ‘growth areas’ – local residents were not consulted about this or the consequences of what it would mean for our small community. There are little nearby employment sires or networks to support this.

10. Impact on Historical Characteristics: The area is connected with the Greensforge Roman Camp at the Triangle and Holbeach House (Wolverhampton Road) – the latter of great historical importance.

Object

Representation ID: 12420

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: D Jordan

1. Effect on road infrastructure: Roads into and around Wall Heath and Kingswinford are already struggling to cope – they are heavily congested throughout the day and grid locked, with tailbacks, at peak times on major A491 and A449 routes. These have returned to pre-covid levels with residents incurring daily delays and inconvenience they severely hinder journey times once roadworks and essential maintenance to services are needed, highlighting in advance, the long-term issues that will occur should building plans go ahead. Based on 2.4 people per household, resident numbers will increase by 2071, not including the additional developments, existing and planned, in neighbouring areas (e.g. major developments within 2 miles at Stallings Lane and Ketley Quarry, which do not have infrastructure improvements either). Households use multiple cars and vehicles, which will increase congestion to in an unacceptable level – impacting further on local roads, villages and estates where drivers already use multiple ‘shortcuts’ through estates to avoid congestion (this again is at both sites – however at Holbeache, numerous cars were seen ‘cutting through’ Maidensbridge Estate during a Traffic survey in August ’21 – even though this is signposted as ‘no right turn’. The road infrastructure through Wall Heath and Kingswinford cannot support an increase in traffic volume and new roads cannot be built to alleviate this without compromising more Green Belt, e.g. the Wester Strategic Road. During our survey, 2500+ vehicles were counted within an hour on the A491 at Holbeache during peak morning traffic, despite the fact that is was also school holidays – it included several HGVs and large vehicles. The noise levels are already excessive for residents and will increase significantly. Feedback has shown how these proposals have unsettles those living close to the main roads – some feeling angered and considering leaving the area. There are real concerns about inevitable reductions in housing prices, particularly those nearest to the A491 and A449, as well discontent about the increased amount of tax payer’s money required to create and maintain highways for these new, large estates.

2. Effect on road safety: Housing developments and increased traffic will seriously impact on road safety – for drivers and pedestrians. The elderly infirmed and school children (primary and secondary) will be exposed to increased risks when crossing roads in multiple areas. On the A449, pupils are exposed to this on the way to Summerhill school (opposite the Triangle): this has no traffic control and also runs downhill (with no speed cameras). Lodge Lane is also already heavily double parked and concerns abut safety are high. Currently, there are insufficient pedestrian crossings throughout Wall Heath – crossing the A491 to catch the bus by the Holbeache site is extremely hazardous. Increasing necessary traffic control with much needed extra pedestrian crossings will affect travel time further, adding to the existing issues with congestion. Add to this the ‘human factor’ of drivers using these roads, where queues create frustration, impatience and anger. Just one example: From the Holbeache island down the A491 towards the lights at Stallings Lane, drivers take risks to avoid the ‘Keep Left’ Sign, often at speed, to join the shorter right hand queue. This puts pedestrians, including school children, at risk on crossings close to the Charterfields Estate. Currently, residents find increasing difficulty with access to and from homes. Queuing drivers are not always courteous, causing undue stress for homeowners trying to leave or turn into their drives. This will undoubtedly be exacerbated by increased congestion.

3. Effect of increased congestion on public transport and air quality: Public transport is limited to buses only in our area, with no other alternatives (rail is 30mins+). These are limited in connection and frequency – with no service even to the hospital from Wall Heath. These services are already affected by the volume of traffic at peak times – especially routes along the A491. Increased congestion will impact on service times and reliability further, counteracting initiatives to encourage residents to use buses to reduce air pollution Since Hansen rates parts of Kingswinford as having the worst commuting score from homes to places of employment, residents will have few alternatives but to use own transport, thereby adding to congestion and CO2 emissions. “Motorised road traffic is one of the greatest man-made contributions to carbon dioxide in the atmosphere “ (Dudley Travel Plan). Particle pollution is also caused by tyres and brakes. By making our congested roads even worse, it will impact on local residents who are vulnerable to air pollution – older people, the young and those with chronic illnesses. The A491 feeds into Wordsley High Street as people travel to Stourbridge; already identified as having unsafe air quality where “Nitrogen Dioxide has been measured as exceeding the national air quality objective of 40 ug/m3”

4. Effect on car parking for schools: Difficulties associated with carparking for local schools, this does not resolve the issues of double-parking along roads – increasing risks to children and residents in the area. Sites at Holbeache and the Triangle are not convenient to local schools through winter months – increasing further road use and congestion on the A441 and A491.

5. Effect on school admissions: There are insufficient school places for children across the area. For September 2021 admissions, the only secondary with places for year 7 is Wordsley. Most other year groups are full. There are no places for Reception in Wall Heath for 2021; only one school in Kingswinford with places. Creating spaces by enlarging existing schools will change the character of them, or force buildings that take away car-parking, play areas or fields. Many parents do not want super-size schools; neither do they want to risk not being able to get children into the school of their choice – this has been a problematic issue for years for residents on Maidensbirdge estate wanting to get children into Summerhill. Special needs schools will not suddenly become more available, and neither will places for adults with additional needs. Even through Dudley Appendix A (containing site assessments) states the possibility of building a school at the Triangle, again there is no guarantee due to ‘marginal viability’

6. Effect on NHS and emergency services:

- There are not enough local doctors and dentists in the local area. Residents are being forces to travel out the area to access care. Wall Heath and Kingswinford have a number of elderly residents who cannot physically do this – due to their own capabilities and lack of public transport.
- Pre-lockdown, the average waiting time at Russell’s Hall was over 4 hours (2019). April ’21 inspections show it still ‘requires improvement’
- Longer ambulance wait times (In 2020, the turnaround times reached 60 mins) – this will also increase with more road congestion, thereby risking lives
- Further delays in local health services, mental health services (rapidly growing), hospital treatment and operations for serious illness.
- Strain on our police services: Kingswinford Police Station was closed in 2017; now there are just six community police officers covering 3 wards. Residents are really concerned about increasing crime levels in the area, and these are confirmed by local statistics on Police.uk. Talking to people from all these sectors, we cannot see how these services will cope.

7. Effect on Mental Health: The green belt at Holbeache and the Triangle are much needed, open spaces for mental well-being. They are enjoyed by a large number of the community for walking and appreciating the natural environment. During lockdown, these two beautiful, open spaces helped to reduce anxiety and still continue to do so now. By building on these spaces – creating noise and air pollution, affecting the visual landscape and developing over several years – it will directly affect residents who need them. These two sites help give residents pride in the area. As well as losing the space, additional stress will be created by light pollution and the building work itself will impact on residents, in terms of noise, traffic, visual and smell for a significant period of time (this will also impact on physical health – see point 3 above). Many new residents in our area bought their houses here to get away from the urban sprawl that the Green Belt is meant to protect. They feel betrayed by these proposals.

8. Loss of Green Belt; Effect on local wildlife and the environment:

- All brownfield sites and disused buildings across all other areas of England should be identified to address the national housing need – imposing more housing in already urbanised areas will have further negative impact on the environment and residents. Dudley, which is already a highly concentrated urban area, should not be expected to absorb yet more houses and have to release Green Belt at Wall Heath and Kingswinford because of imposed housing figures and need in other boroughs. This will create further urban sprawl.
- If these two sites are developed, it would put the area at risk of being opened-up to further development by South Staffs in their preferred option plan. At present they prevent urban sprawl along the western edge of the Black country. Just before lockdown, a planning proposal was ‘accidentally’ found which mapped out an industrial park the size of 90 football pitches just metres behind people’s back gardens in Wall Heath. We are sandwiched between two authorities, both assessing the land around us to build on Green Belt. If we are asking South Staffordshire not to build up to border, then Dudley should not either. There is a genuine feeling through the community that the security of choosing a home and having confidence in the future of our environment has been lost.
- Holbeache is VERY GOOD agricultural land – it is Grade 2, where a range of crops can be grown. The Triangle is Grade 3, which is also useful agricultural land. Both reduce the need to import food into Birmingham and contribute to easing resource reliance. The Government committed a 25-year plan to land in the UK, global warming, with hotter summers and colder winters, has affected the quality of crops and subsequent fertility of the soil. Urban areas rely on imported food; here, we have good quality land which the government has a responsibility to protect.
- The hedgerows all around Holbeache and a small plot to the left form a SLINC; The Triangle is also SLINC (Sites of Local Importance for Nature Conservation). Building here will mean loss of wildlife (sighting of owls, buzzards, a pair of red kites, bats – both protected); also, loss of bees and butterflies and biodiversity that the linked wildlife corridors are tyring to protect due to declining numbers. Disrupting the wildlife corridors at both locations would be irreversible.
- Loss of ancient oak trees at the Triangle and ancient hedgerows at Holbeache. Many trees have Tree Preservation Orders. This will also contribute to climate change – replanting schemes will not replace ancient habitats and features of the local environment.
- Loss of yearly daffodils display. They ass to the character of Wall Heath, are photographed across the region and create “a positive image” to enjoy (Ed Lawrence, Exp & Star March 2020). The poppies on the Triangle made national news.
- Flood risk to both areas due to the gradient of the land – this will impact on drainage of the area and ground water.
- Local people appreciate the green belt through walks and cycle rides – there is huge opposition, both local and across the Midlands; we want to protect it for future generations.
- Consideration for the elderly at the residential homes at Holbeache House, who benefit from the environment that the green belt provides.

9. Financial Impacts: The proposed ‘high value’ housing will not solve issues inked to social housing (which is set between 10-30%). Kingswinford and Wall Heath are being classed as ‘growth areas’ – local residents were not consulted about this or the consequences of what it would mean for our small community. There are little nearby employment sires or networks to support this.

10. Impact on Historical Characteristics: The area is connected with the Greensforge Roman Camp at the Triangle and Holbeach House (Wolverhampton Road) – the latter of great historical importance.

Object

Representation ID: 12422

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Adrian and Edwina Wootton

Number of people: 2

[Holbeache DUH 208
The Triangle DUH 211]

1/ Green Belt land is far to valuable to be used for building, as this can never be reclaimed
2/ Local infrastructure can't cope with extra traffic, extra gas, electric, water and waste requirements, schools + doctors are at near full capacity as are hospitals.
3/ 900+ homes represents at todays occupancy 2 cars per house minimum, totally unacceptable
4/ insufficient truly "affordable housing" and "social housing" is included so building is purely for the rich, elite, and purely for profit not to provide the housing that is actually needed.
5. local roads are subject to excessive delays, gridlock, nose to tail traffic due to school runs, work sun etc on a daily basis. An event at Himley Hall will grid lock the A449 back towards Kidderminster within minutes
6. once you permit building on green belt land this will open up the flood gates for every get rich quick developer to make huge profits at residents expense. They are noted for the "affordable homes" to be brought "off plan" and mysteriously "sold on" at huge profits 12 to 18 months later. Some never actually having a resident or being on short term rent, no permanent resident. A definite rule bending exercise.
7) Little or no provision for public transport improvements and a viable and actual working acceptable alternative to main car transport. Basically the roads are too small to carry the traffic and no space exists on brownfield sites to build entire roads.
8, the resulting extra pollution and environmental damage will be unsustainable and unrecoverable from
9. only the rich will benefit and that extra money will not filter down to the local economy but moved away to London and abroad benefiting only the profiteering of the rich
10. How are you going to re-charge 2000+ new electric cars on the proposal plus provided charging points for the existing local residents as most houses do not have off road parking. Residents now have great difficulty in parking during the day due to influx of non resident parking in the side streets causing mayhem, Do you want the pavement charging point outside your house so you cant park - a knock on effect

Object

Representation ID: 12424

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Mr Alan Beaman

You must admit that Wall Heath village has a really traffic problem, why do we have to add more congestion to the area, both sites will add problems to village life.
Do you propose to build a new doctors surgery at Moss Grove Kingswinford it will most certainly be under pressure we are being told to go to Kinver for certain procedures, not good.
Traffic around out local Maidensbridge school will increase causing more parking problems.
We do not need these developments just leave the green spaces alone.

Object

Representation ID: 12429

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Mr Alan Green

no comments provided