Policy DSA2– Land at Swindon Road, Wall Heath, Kingswinford (The Triangle site) Strategic Allocation

Showing comments and forms 1321 to 1335 of 1335

Object

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 45957

Received: 04/10/2021

Respondent: Mr Jonathan Baker

Representation Summary:

There is an overflow of traffic now and more would cause increase in pollution.

Object

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 45970

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Jayne and Olivia Marsh

Number of people: 3

Representation Summary:

I strongly object to sites DUH 218 Guys Lane,DUH210 Viewfield Crescent and DUH031 The Straits, Lower Gornal Additionally DUH 208 Holbeach and DUH 211 Summerhill Triangle , all being chosen to be released from greenbelt/greenfield when Dudley does not have a need for additional housing but Sandwell does. Build where the need is ,rather than displace families and take them from their family locations,jobs,and family environment, causing additional car journeys to return back to their jobs, families and friends, that surely is not helping the environment.It is not NPPF compliant I hope you take note of my comments and decide not to release greenbelt/greenfield and to not enforce duty to cooperate on south Staffordshire greenbelt bordering Dudley.

Object

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 46008

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Miss Suzanne Dimmock

Representation Summary:

Crestwood Park / Lapwood is [redacted]under threat [redacted]but I object to ALL the proposed sites in Wallheath / Kingswinford/ Pensnett.
There are empty council properties and units all around Pensnett / Brierley Hill.
As a keen walker, I use all the green spaces in my local area. Bryce Road, Severn Drive, Summerhill, Holbeache, Standhills, Guys Lane, as well as Lapwood / Crestwood as mentioned above.
I understand the need for housing but to lose precious nature when there are plenty of brownfield sites available is disgusting. Our roads are unable to cope with the extra housing developments of the last few years. Public transport is not up to standard, hardly any cycle routes, schools are already over subscribed & NHS services are overwhelmed.

Object

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 46046

Received: 02/10/2021

Respondent: Mr Robert Davison

Representation Summary:

DUH211 - The Triangle

As a proud resident of Kingswinford I strongly object to the development of these green open spaces. The area is steeped in history and borders countryside to be envied.
Nationally, we have lost an incredible amount of green belt and this is just a further erosion of the open spaces we have available. At the rate we are currently losing green belt my daughters children will only be able to read about and see photo`s of what we were lucky enough to have enjoyed. These open spaces are the lungs of the community. By allowing mass developement like this we will surely be increasing cases of asthma and other respiratory diseases which will put further pressure on an already stretched NHS.
During the Covid lockdown of 2020 I spent many hours walking these fields and they were, without doubt, a massive contribution to my physical and mental wellbeing during those umprecidented times. If we were to suffer another worldwide pandemic then where are we to exercise if these open spaces are lost?
In the past number of years we have seen extensive developemnt at the top of Stallings Lane with more to come on the former Ibstock Himley Brickworks site. The impact on traffic has been very noticable. Most times during rush hour Stallings Lane and Moss Grove traffic lights are gridlocked. If we allow these developments then it is likely, based on 2 cars per household, there will be a further 1726 cars using these roads. As most residents of Kingswinford and Wall Heath will confirm, the availability of public transport in the area is at best poor.
These developments will also have a catastrophic impact on the local wildlife and ecology. Again, I want my daughter and her children to be able to see and hear the wonderful wildlfe that we are blessed with. As a nation we are doing many things to help the environment. Electric cars, solar and enewable energy and household recycling.
I was originally from Dudley but moved to Kingswinford [x] years ago. I cannot imagine living anywhere else. The area borders some stunning countryside which makes it the desirable place it is. I do not want to live in an area where open spaces and countryside are a cars drive away. I hope that the generations that follow me are afforded the same chances to enjoy the benefits of these open spaces. This is why these developments MUST be stopped!

Object

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 46051

Received: 08/10/2021

Respondent: Rachel Ellis

Representation Summary:

DSA2 (The Triangle).
I am objecting to the proposal for Policy DSA1 Land South of Holbeach Lane /Wolverhampton Road, Kingswinford and Policy DSA2– Land at Swindon Road, Wall Heath, Kingswinford (The Triangle site). These proposals are to remove land from the green belt despite pledges from the Prime Minister to protect the green belt. We must not allow the green belt to be eroded further. There are no mitigations offered in the BCP and this is simply not acceptable. The biodiversity impact, impact on historic sites nearby and impact on those already living in Kingswinford and their health and wellbeing would be hugely detrimental.
Infrastructure is already struggling to cope in the area. Doctors surgeries are full and it is difficult for those living in the area to get appointments. The additional pressure on emergency services and Russells Hall would be unacceptable. Furthermore the traffic on the A449 is already horrdendous. It is a dangerous road and adding more traffic to the area would cause significant increase in congestion and pollution. Adding cycling/walking networks will not offset that. The impact on Wall Health and that area of Kingswinford would be horrendous. These proposals must be considered in line conjunction with all of the other proposed housing for the are which when looked in total - it's a huge amount of extra pressure on the local infrastructure.

Object

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 46052

Received: 10/10/2021

Respondent: Mr Richard Westwood

Representation Summary:

Site Reference Numbers: The Triangle: DUH 211 page 371 and Holbeach: DUH 208 page 371
I have strong objections to the proposed development of greenbelt land sited at 'The Triangle', Swindon Road, Wall Heath, Kingswinford and the land south of Holbeache Lane, Wolverhampton Road, Kingswinford. My main objections being:

1. Highways and resultant traffic issues
I am confident that a visit by any of those in support of development on these sites would immediately reach the same conclusion that existing residents of Wall Heath are already well aware; that roads in our village are already heavily congested and in no way capable of sustaining the kinds of increased traffic we would incur, in the event new houses are built near the village.
At peak times queues of traffic stretch nose to tail along the stretch of A449 that runs through the village, belching carbon monoxide and other pollutants as it crawls along. I fail to see how this issue will not be exacerbated by developments on these sites.

2. Local Infrastructure and supporting services
Unless the developers plan to build a new Doctor’s surgery, Primary & Secondary schools, and a Hospital, I am intrigued to know how the existing strained and oversubscribed services that serve the local area will accommodate the increase in the population and resultant demand, that the introduction of 800+ new houses would bring.
3. Environmental Damage
Since moving to the village my family and I have spent many wonderful days exploring and enjoying the beautiful countryside on our doorstep. Through the pandemic, this was a major factor in our mental-health and well-being. When I explained to my two young daughters that there was a proposal to build houses on these beautiful and vibrant sites, they were both as dismayed as I, and queried why this had to happen. Their innocent and simplistic suggestion is the obvious and logical one here – build your new houses elsewhere. Only once all brown-field sites have been truly exhausted should one even consider building on green-field sites. The reality is there are plenty of viable alternatives in the Black Country, however, I expect they are more complicated & expensive to build on, and so the appetite of these mercenary developers quickly evaporates, and the ‘easy option’ gets favoured. The wildlife, flora and fauna that face eviction cannot object to this abhorrent proposal, but this does not mean they should be ignored. Development on green-belt land means irrevocable damage to the natural environment, which categorically cannot be allowed to happen.

Object

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 46057

Received: 06/10/2021

Respondent: Mr Simon Page

Representation Summary:

I am OBJECTING to the following sites being listed as suitable for development in the Black Country plan:

DUH211 The Triangle, Wall Heath, Kingswinford

I am OBJECTING due to the following reasons:

1. I am concerned about the increase of traffic on the roads as the local road network cannot cope with the existing amount of traffic and long traffic jams and delays are already a major problem. It can currently take up to 1 hour during peak times to travel just a few miles through the Kingswinford / Wall Heath / Wordsley / Pensnett area. If these developments are approved that could mean up to an additional 2000 vehicles on the road. The local road system would not cope. All these extra vehicles on the roads would lead to an increase in air pollution, noise, dirt and general disruption in the area.

2. I am concerned about the impact that these developments would have on accessing local services such as GP practices and schools, many of which are already over subscribed. Any increase in houses would put even more pressure on already stretched and under pressure schools and doctors.
3. I am concerned that the loss of any of the above mentioned sites would have a detrimental effect on the health and well being - both physical and mental health - of local residents. These sites are used by local residents for excercise, dog walking , relaxation, wellbeing, socialising and for children to play. After the pandemic and lockdown it is more important than ever for people to have access to green space and fresh air for their health and well being. The loss of any of these sites would have a negative impact on local residents.

Object

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 46058

Received: 08/10/2021

Respondent: Ms Rachel Ellis

Representation Summary:

I am objecting to the proposal for Policy DSA1 Land South of Holbeach Lane /Wolverhampton Road, Kingswinford and Policy DSA2– Land at Swindon Road, Wall Heath, Kingswinford (The Triangle site). These proposals are to remove land from the green belt despite pledges from the Prime Minister to protect the green belt. We must not allow the green belt to be eroded further. There are no mitigations offered in the BCP and this is simply not acceptable. The biodiversity impact, impact on historic sites nearby and impact on those already living in Kingswinford and their health and wellbeing would be hugely detrimental.

Infrastructure is already struggling to cope in the area. Doctors surgeries are full and it is difficult for those living in the area to get appointments. The additional pressure on emergency services and Russells Hall would be unacceptable. Furthermore the traffic on the A449 is already horrdendous. It is a dangerous road and adding more traffic to the area would cause significant increase in congestion and pollution. Adding cycling/walking networks will not offset that. The impact on Wall Health and that area of Kingswinford would be horrendous. These proposals must be considered in line conjunction with all of the other proposed housing for the are which when looked in total - it's a huge amount of extra pressure on the local infrastructure.

Object

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 46059

Received: 09/10/2021

Respondent: Mr Robert Carter

Representation Summary:

Black Country Site Assessment Report
Holbeache DUH208, The Triangle Site DUH211
1. Effect on local services -roads
The local road infrastructure is already congested at all times of the day particularly the A449. This
remained a busy road even during lockdowns. There is very little scope for any road widening to ease
the congestion. Any extra vehicles will increase noise, increase CO2 emissions and lead to poorer air
quality as well as environmental damage. The proposed additional crossing will increase tailbacks and
delays. Drivers will cut through the Maidensbridge estate where many children walk to the local
schools increasing the risk of accidents. This would also be the case if there was a second access road
onto the A449 as drivers would use local village roads to avoid tailbacks. When I used this road to
commute to work over 8 years ago it was virtually nose to tail from Kingswinford to Stourbridge. Things
have only got worse since then. On 28 August 2021 between 16.30 and 18.00 there were over 5000
vehicles and this is during the peak holiday season and when many people are working from home.
The local road system is inadequate even at the present time. Houses being built at the moment on
Stallings Lane and at Wombourne will increase the pressure on the local roads.
2. Effect on local services- NHS
There are already not enough doctors and dentists in the area with patients having difficulties getting
appointments. Moss Grove surgery is having to send patients to the surgery in Kinver. I know
personally that at present you have to wait weeks for even a telephone consultation. Russells Hall
hospital has long waiting times and April 2021 inspections showed it 'requires improvement.' It is often
impossible to park at Russells Hall because of the number of patients. Even before the problems
caused by the pandemic there were unacceptable delays in local health services, mental health
services (particularly children's), hospital treatment and operations. The delays caused by the services
being overstretched are already causing stress to patients. There are also unacceptable wait times for
ambulances (in 2020 the turnaround time reached 60 minutes). The houses already currently being
built in the area will increase the pressure on these services.
3. Effect on local services- schools
There is no space in the local secondary schools for any more pupils. For the September 2021
admissions the only secondary school with places for year 7 was Wordsley. Most other year groups
are full. There were no places for reception in 2021 in Wall Heath and only one school in Kingswinford
with places. It is difficult to see how the existing schools can extend particularly the primary schools
and Kingswinford School. Playing fields are already in the main small and in the case of Church of
Ascension set away from the school building. Parents are already having difficulty in getting their first
choice of school and this will become worse with the houses currently being built in the area and
surrounding causing further travel. The brochure for the Stallings Lane development states that to
take advantage of what Kingswinford has to offer “families will be pleased to know there’s a great
choice of schools”. The increased numbers will also impact on class sizes to the detriment of the
children’s education.
4. Strains on local amenities.
There are few local amenities in the area and provision would definitely need to be improved and
increased with a further increase in the area’s population. The parks lack good quality equipment,
there is no youth centre in Wall Heath and no local sports centre.
5. Loss of Green Belt and impact on local wildlife and the environment.
The proposed development would result in the loss of very good agricultural land. Holbeache is Grade
2 where a range of crops can be used. The Government is committed to a 25 year plan to protect land
of this quality and use the soil in a sustainable way and this was updated as recently as February 2021.
All brownfield sites should be used before green belt and there are alternative brownfield sites
available.
The hedgerows all around Holbeache and a plot to the left form a Site of Local Importance for Nature
Conservation. The proposed development would mean the loss of a variety of wildlife including some
protected species such as red kites and badgers. It would also result in the loss of bees and butterflies
and biodiversity that the wildlife corridor is trying to protect due to declining numbers. The yearly
daffodil display is a joy to behold and is photographed across the region creating a positive image. The
report states that there are ‘significant tress’ and these will be lost at a time when globally the aim is
to prevent the loss of trees.
The report states that Holbeache would become a ‘permanent’ boundary if fully developed. This is not
the case because it is presently green belt which prevents the urban sprawl.
A grade II historical building, Holbeache House, is next to the proposed development.
The prosed development would have a visual impact on the landscape. Local people enjoy walking
and cycling in the green belt and appreciating it helps feelings of well-being and is important to mental
health and this needs to be protected for now and future generations. There does not appear to be
any exceptional circumstances to allow this Green Belt area to be used for development.

Object

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 46060

Received: 03/10/2021

Respondent: Mr Richard Hughes

Representation Summary:

I object to these proposals as the increase in population would have a severe adverse impact on the following:
1. HEALTH SERVICES. This area already has an insufficient number of GP's : e.g. Moss Grove Surgery sends patients to Kinver surgery. Waiting times for Russells Hall Hospital and for Ambulance services are already unacceptable, and there will be further delays in Mental Health and Social Care services.
2. ROADS. The A449 is already very busy and noisy, and the local road structure is already congested. Extra vehicles will increase noise, cause higher CO2 emissions and poorer air quality, cause more bus delays and increase accidents and tailbacks due to the proposed "crossing". More drivers will cut through the Maidensbridge estate, and a second access road onto the A449 would slow traffic, forcing drivers to use village roads.
3. SCHOOLS. For September 2021, the only secondary school with places for year 7 admissions is Wordsley. Most other year groups are full. There are no places for Reception pupils in Wall Health for 2021, and only one school in Kingswinford with places available. Increased numbers will impact on class sizes and keeping legal sizes in KS1. Page 78 referes to "Improving Schools" but how will this be achieved without building or playing fields or changing the character of schools?
4. ENVIRONMENT. There will be a loss of Green Belt and impact on local wildlife. All brownfield sites must be used first, before green belt. Holbeach is Grade 2 agricultural land where a range of crops can be grown. The government committed a 25 year plan to protect land of this quality and use the soil in a sustainable way. The hedgerows all around Holbeache form a site of Local Importance for Nature Conservaition (SLINC). Building here will mean a loss of wildlife and biodiversity that the wildlife corridor tries to protect due to declining numbers. Local people also appreciatre the green belt through walks and cycle rides; it must be protected for future generations.

Object

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 46065

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Mrs Rachael Langford

Representation Summary:

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

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

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

Object

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 46066

Received: 08/11/2021

Respondent: Mr David Sutton

Representation Summary:

Traffic congestion is already too much around Kingswinford which has already had 2 major house developments.
How about the increased demand on services - schools, doctors, dentists. Will there be any thought to creating outdoor areas for adults to walk not just children?

Object

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 46074

Received: 09/10/2021

Respondent: Clive Parbery

Representation Summary:

1) In relation to developments in Wall Heath and Kingswinford. These should not go ahead due to the lack of suitable road infrastructure and coupled with that the risks to the livestock and residents and children one accident is too many.
2) Failing road infrastructure are the reason for housing not (NOT) to be built on greenbelt in and around K'Ford / Wall Heath.
3) If you build on greenbelt it will never ever stop! The roads are congested and house bottlenecks through wall health, k'ford, kidderminster, wordsley, stourbridge and dudley.
4) Support for builds on brownfield sites.
5) Road infrastructure will not support building on greenbelt.
6) However, this council lacks the foresight and ingenuity to make the whole of dudley borough a place to walk in now and in the future. There is no concept of ecological house builds which will support healthier living and be aligned to the 9 international / global concept of making planet earth a place to treasure and live upon. Finally, do not build on greenbelt areas and think carefully about house build / design.

Object

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 46075

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Sue Bullas

Representation Summary:

As a resident of Kingswinford I am really concerned about the plan to use our green belt for housing.

I am concerned about the mental health of both myself, my family and those that live around me. We have just encountered the pandemic and are left wondering whether life will ever be the same? Being able to leave my front door and walk amongst open local country side whilst staying within government guidelines was so important to us. It helped enormously with keeping us mentally well.

Our wildlife relies on these open green spaces for their habitat and food and yet the council is considering destroying it and the wild life that goes with it.

The infrastructure cannot support the building of all of these new homes, classes of at least 30 already in our schools. GP practices not able to offer timely appointments, traffic in and out of Kingswinford is horrendous, especially at peak times.

I am very much against these plans, and as the local authorities look at plans not to return all of their staff to full time working in the office, should you not wait to see what council buildings are available for housing?

This is a serious breach of our human rights taking cal green spaces. I hope you will reconsider your proposals.

Object

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 46172

Received: 02/10/2021

Respondent: Mrs Deborah Neale

Representation Summary:

The Kingswinford and Wall Heath infrastructure will not cope with further housing on the Triangle (Swindon Road). Far too often the Kingswinford and Wall Heath area is extremely busy resulting in many motorists who know the area to circumvent the main roads by driving road residential streets which is making them even busier and a danger to children and pedestrians