Policy DSA4 Corbett Meadow Local Green Space

Showing comments and forms 61 to 90 of 107

Support

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 16750

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Dudley Liberal Democrats

Representation Summary:

We do however support the allocation of land at Corbett Meadow, Stourbridge as Local Green Space Allocation.
John Corbett was a Liberal Party Member who gave the land to the people of Stourbridge for all time it is not to be sold off by the Dudley Group of Hospitals. It's a disgrace that it should ever be considered!

Support

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 16804

Received: 07/10/2021

Respondent: Ms Jenny Griffiths

Representation Summary:

I an writing in support of the proposed designation of the Corbett Meadow as Local Green Space in the Black Country Plan (Policy DSA4) and as an Area of High Historic Landscape Value (Policy Env5).
The designation would protect a valuable green lung in a built up urban area. It also provides a wildlife habitat which is important in itself and also as part of the Coalbourne Brook Valley. Furthermore, I feel that Dudley Council should allow this to remain permanent as John Corbett left it to the people of Stourbridge. The loss of the meadow would mean that the opportunity of managing the meadow for long-term public benefit as an “Outdoor Surgery” for improving community and health services and physical and mental well-being.
Also, the housing development would add pressure to an already overburdened services and roads, I have noticed speaking to people from other areas that Stourbridge is becoming an undesirable area because of the traffic problems. What’s more I am concerned that the new access on to Vicarage Road would increase risk of accidents for both pedestrians and motorists.

Support

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 16885

Received: 07/10/2021

Respondent: Mrs Marion Simpson

Representation Summary:

Document - Black Country Plan Re: Corbett Meadow
I fully support the proposed designation of the Corbett Meadow becoming a Local Green Space Policy No DSA4.
I fully support the proposed designation of the Corbett Meadow becoming an area of high historic landscape value policy no ENV5.
I feel that the meadow should be left as it is, to destroy such a beautiful place would be a crime.
Can you imagine the traffic in Vicarage Road more houses, more chaos.
I thought the meadow was saved in 1992, when my late husband Alderman John Simpson headed a campaign which went to a public enquiry and we won and that should be enough!
John always believed that John Corbett left it to the people of Stourbridge and that it should be a public park and definitely a local green space for all to enjoy.

Support

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 16926

Received: 28/09/2021

Respondent: Mr Edward Perry

Representation Summary:

Dear sirs,

I must protest at the move to make Corbett Meadow available for housing development.

I am strongly in favour of its proposed designation as a local green space in the Black Country Plan Policy DSA4 page 434 of the consultation document and preserving it as an area of high historic landscape value as determined in Policy ENV3 on page 230.

The idea of making vehicle access onto Vicarage Road at that point is unthinkable, the road is already blocked at peak times and during off peak periods is extremely dangerous due to vehicles speeding coming down towards Church Avenue junction as it is a blind bend.

I'm also concerned about selling the meadow for development as it was gifted to the people and never intended for exploitation.

In short I oppose it strongly and expect my views to be taken seriously.
Yours faithfully…

Support

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 16966

Received: 10/10/2021

Respondent: Kenneth Carrington

Representation Summary:

I would like to highlight my support to the proposal to register the Corbett Meadow in Amblecote to be designated as a local Green Space in the Black Country Plan, in accordance with Policy DSA4 page 434 of the consultation document; and as an Area of High Historic Landscape Value; Policy ENV5 page 230.
The plan would result in a short term injection of funds to the Corbett Trust, but this valuable area would be lost to the public forever.

Comment

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 17005

Received: 10/10/2021

Respondent: Ms Jayne Heathcock

Representation Summary:

DSA4 Corbett Meadows, Local Green Space. Object.
The site is of historical significance and potentially of high ecological value. No habitat survey has been undertaken since 1992.
Corbett Meadows should not have been selected and should be protected from all development in future.

Comment

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 17027

Received: 10/10/2021

Respondent: Mr John Heathcock

Representation Summary:

DSA4 Corbett Meadows, Local Green Space. Object.
The site is of historical significance and potentially of high ecological value. No habitat survey has been undertaken since 1992.
Corbett Meadows should not have been selected and should be protected from all development in future.

Comment

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 17045

Received: 10/10/2021

Respondent: Mrs Sylvia Heathcock

Representation Summary:

DSA4 Corbett Meadows, Local Green Space. Object.
The site is of historical significance and potentially of high ecological value. No habitat survey has been undertaken since 1992.
Corbett Meadows should not have been selected and should be protected from all development in future.

Support

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 17080

Received: 29/09/2021

Respondent: Ms Helen Cook

Representation Summary:

Site Ref 10516 Corbett Meadow
Policy DSA4 Local Green Space Designation (LGS).
I fully support the proposal for the Corbett Meadow to be designated as a Local Green Space. The meadow is three parts surrounded with high-density housing and medical services, with an excess of small narrow very busy access roads often littered with parked cars leading onto Vicarage Road. Being a resident in [Road] it has become an extremely busy A class Road with dangerous bends especially by the vicinity of the meadow and hospital entrances. Vicarage Road historically was a rural lane and over the years has had alterations in all ways to try to widen it. The meadow makes a welcome breathing space from this outer cluttered infrastructure and for patients and visitors to the hospital to see a green open space is relaxing and pleasing to the eye.
The North of the meadow provides a very important connectivity to the Coalbourne brook valley and a vital link for the passage of wildlife to and from our canal and river systems through the urban green corridors. It is valuable historic grassland, proven by the types of flora it sustains. It has remained untouched by herbicides and fertilisers to this day, it is rare in such an urban environment and within the Dudley Borough.
The Corbett Meadow holds a variety of habitats (1) Two established ponds, important breeding grounds for declining amphibian species. (2) Wetland area. (3). Mature trees, eco systems in themselves, some of veteran age especially the row of Hawthorns on the Eastern Bank. These Hawthorn trees are home to the rare Hawthorn Jewel Beetle, I believe the first recorded within the Dudley Borough by local Nature expert

It is the dramatic topography of the meadow that is eye-catching making it visually attractive. To destroy such a beautiful area with the wildlife that it holds would be a devastating loss. It is much more worthy of a higher designation as an LNR as its present designation is a SLINC and would like to see the meadow considered for such a designation, with it's potential as a local nature reserve and connecting it to the Coalbourne Brook Valley.

Support

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 17088

Received: 08/10/2021

Respondent: Mr Martin Parker

Representation Summary:

I would like to voice my very strong objection to any development or loss of green space in the Clockfields estate along with the other estate residents. We were advised against a communal purchase when the land went up for sale for £15k in 2011 on the basis that the council would protect it from any development. All the residents of the estate were fully assured the land would never be built on by the then councillor of the ward and former Dudley mayor, Pat Mar n, who organised the tree preservation order in the interests of the estate residents to protect all the trees including the Black Country Urban Forest planted in 2001. The land shows as green space on most maps and should be protected as per the council brownfield first policies. The campaign and opposition to building on the land has been supported by Mayor Andy Street, all the ward councillors (past and present) and our local MP Suzanne Webb.
Please can adequate and appropriate protection be placed on this green space as with other green spaces in the borough if brownfield sites are priori sed.

I would also like to support the proposed designation of the Corbett Meadow under Policy DSA4 as an Area of High Historic Landscape Value, also referenced under Policy ENV5

Comment

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 17121

Received: 28/09/2021

Respondent: Mrs Elizabeth Steele

Representation Summary:

I am objecting to the proposed development of Corbett Meadow.
- This area is a designated Local Green Space under Policy DSA4
- Also an Area of High Historic Landscape Value, designated under Policy ENV5.
-The area provides a crucial green space amenity for the local area, something which is lacking in the immediate surrounds.
-It is important for the physical and mental health and wellbeing of all those who use it.
-It is also a haven for local wildlife, which would be lost if the green space were removed
-This is also important as part of the Coalbourne Brook Valley
-The local highways area already clogged and overburdened, and this planned development would add to that.
-Highway safety concerns would be added to by creating a new access onto Vicarage Road
-There is a huge amount of brownfield lane in the local area which would much better facilitate the required housing to fill the Local Plan Objectives.

Support

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 17139

Received: 09/10/2021

Respondent: Mrs Jane Williamson

Representation Summary:

I strongly support the preservation of the Corbett Meadow site as a local green space. It is of immense value in an urban area offering habitat for wildlife as well as the mental and physical health benefits for those living in the surrounding area.

John Corbett gifted the land to the people of Stourbridge for their good health and it must be used for this purpose.

Additional housing in this area would put unreasonable pressure on local services and create a dangerous situation on roads which are already over-crowded.

Support

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 17180

Received: 10/10/2021

Respondent: Mrs Louise Walton

Number of people: 2

Representation Summary:

This is in support of policy number DSA4 page 434 of the consultation document for the corbett meadow to be become a local designated green space. I support the plan for the corbett meadow to be of high historic landscape value - policy ENV5 page 230 of the consultation document. The green space is a wildlife haven and is also grazed by cattle and horses. We have lived here for 25 years, and always known it to be grazed previously and was gifted to the people of stourbridge. It would be a travesty if this space was ever built upon as it is a very mentally rewarding space, health and wellbeing are very very important in the world we live in.! The historical importance of the meadow goes back to john corbett ,who gifted the space .
Vicarage Road is not much wider than many lanes, esprcially at the point of access to the site. The road has become busier and busier already due to the housing estate at the bottom of the road and the traffic that makes its way from the merry hill centre. The traffic doesnt slow down enough ! There have been many accidents on this road. There are many exit points already on the road, new housing already. hospital site , shop front,road into penfields estate, plus many side roads therefore all adds to congestion. we struggle to get off our drive safely. The local schools cant take much more input. Emergency vehichles struggle with the existing housing developement on the former hospital site due to cars parked outside houses as well as on drives.people tend to have a car each. Hospital visitors park in the side streets too as not enough parking on the hospital site. Therefore it all needs to stay as meadow for the good of the people and environment.

Support

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 17295

Received: 02/10/2021

Respondent: Mrs Susan Bryan

Representation Summary:

I am in support of the proposed designation of Corbett Meadow as a Local Green Space in the Black Country Plan Policy DSA4 which is at page 434 of the consulation document.
Also as an Area of High Historic Landscape Value Policy ENV5 which is at page 230.
We need green space more than ever. We hear so much about mental health and mental wellbeing and how the NHS should fund care in this area.
Connecting with nature is a cheap and easy way to achieve this. However to do this you do need these green spaces and turning every small or large free area into a housing development is not the answer.
We need more and more green areas not less and less, especially in a built up urban areas. The green area of Corbett Meadow is important both for humans and as a wildlife habitat that needs protecting once developed it is gone to all of us.
And importantly very importantly it was left to us the people of Stourbridge by John Corbett.
We must protect Corbett Meadow.

Support

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 17459

Received: 08/10/2021

Respondent: Mr Peter Orme

Representation Summary:

DSA4

I write in support of your proposals to designate the Corbett Meadow a local green space. My reasons for this are as follows.

The Corbett Meadow is an ancient Green Field meadow it was originally bequeathed to the people of Stourbridge and the surrounding areas by John Corbett philanthropist.

The precious land is a green island contains various habitats: 2 ponds and wetland area, traditional meadow grassland / meadow flora and veteran trees. All of these habitats within the 14 acres sustain wildlife that is now under threat or in decline. It also provides food and cover for animals and birds passing through. The meadow is an untouched natural green field site and a rarity in the middle of a high-density built-up area.

Local naturalist [name] who lives here in Stourbridge and is a BCC radio presenter and author, recently said of the site My impression was incredulity – how had this gem survived intact for so long in a built-up area? this relatively small area was wonderfully contoured and featured marshy hollows, a steep scarp, two willow-lined pools and many mature trees. Needless to say, these features are in very short supply within Dudley Borough. There are many rea species on this site including Palmate Newts which are very scarce in the Black Country conurbation. Hawthorn Jewel Beetles I’d never seen them in Stourbridge before or indeed anywhere in the Dudley Borough. I think that was my strongest impression of the meadow - that it is one of the most important ecological lynchpins in the Stourbridge area. Corbett’s Meadow is not just another piece of grassland: for many of its species, whether they are Palmate Newts or Small Heath Butterflies, it is a life-raft out of the past and its loss would be nothing short of a tragedy not only for local wildlife, but also for the future generations who I hope will be able to enjoy it and explore its history and natural history.

Comment

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 17481

Received: 04/10/2021

Respondent: Mrs Bernadette Shearer

Representation Summary:

I live by the Corbett Meadow in Stourbridge and find it hard to see how a development of housing would fit into such a small green area without being very disruptive to local residents and to wildlife. I would like to see the Corbett Meadow kept as it is and opened up to the local community as a green space to enjoy and to provide for people's wellbeing

Support

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 17510

Received: 02/07/2021

Respondent: Miss Joanne Wills

Representation Summary:

I am delighted to hear that Corbett Meadow will be protected from development. This is a step in the right direction and our green belt land should absolutely be protected and not built on so it is with huge relief to hear the wonderful news that this land will not be built on.

Support

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 17553

Received: 04/10/2021

Respondent: Mrs Pamela Downing

Representation Summary:

Policy DSA4 and ENV5

Corbett Meadow is a valuable legacy which was left to the people of Stourbridge for local use.
After a consultation in the hospital it is heart warming to sit with a cuppa overlooking the green space with its trees and wildlife.
It is a well known fact as experts tell us, that looking at nature is good for our mental well being.
All of our green space in Dudley need protection.

Support

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 17612

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Member of Parliament

Representation Summary:

I also write to welcome the proposed designation of the Corbett Meadow as Local Green Space (Policy
DSA4).
In conjunction with this, I support Policy ENV1 (Nature Conservation and designation of Corbett Meadow as a Site of Local Interest for Nature Conservation); and ENVS (Historic Character and Local Distinctiveness of the Black Country and designation of Corbett Meadow (Dudley) as Area of High Historic Landscape Value)
I support the work of the Corbett Meadow Action Group (CMAG) and fully endorse their submission to this consultation.

Support

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 17613

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Member of Parliament

Representation Summary:

I also write to welcome the proposed designation of the Corbett Meadow as Local Green Space (Policy
DSA4).
In conjunction with this, I support Policy ENV1 (Nature Conservation and designation of Corbett Meadow as a Site of Local Interest for Nature Conservation); and ENV5 (Historic Character and Local Distinctiveness of the Black Country and designation of Corbett Meadow (Dudley) as Area of High Historic Landscape Value)
I support the work of the Corbett Meadow Action Group (CMAG) and fully endorse their submission to this consultation.

Support

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 17641

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: P Cook

Number of people: 2

Representation Summary:

We (being my husband and myself )
fully support the proposal that the Corbett Meadow be kept as a Local Green Space. We have lived close to the Meadow for [x] yrs plus. It would be a tragic loss for all wild life if this was taken away only to be replaced by traffic noise & pollution not to mention the strain on schools etc. Please think again we need this precious piece of land as it is now

Comment

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 17736

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Ms Karen Purdy

Representation Summary:

I totally object to any plans for building on Greenbelt land, including the sites in Wollaston, Norton, Kingswinford and Wall Heath. In addition Corbett Meadow must be kept in its current natural state, and not allowed to be considered for any development. There are more than enough brownfield sites in the Borough that can be used for redevelopment, rather than the destruction of natural habitats which are so invaluable for health and the preservation of wildlife

Support

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 17807

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Kenneth Carrington

Representation Summary:

Support:
I support saving of the Corbett Meadow and its proposed designation as a green space as stated in Policy DSA4 Page 434 and as an area of historic landscape value Policy ENV5 Page 230.

Comment

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 17898

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Mrs Emma Smith

Number of people: 2

Representation Summary:

Corbett Meadow, Stourbridge

Land South of Holbeache Lane/Wolverhampton Road, Kingswinford

Land at Swindon Road, Wall Heath, (The Triangle) Kingswinford

Land at Worcester Lane, Stourbridge Pedmore

Grazing land at Wollaston Farm, Stourbridge Wollaston

All of the above land is land that I use for walking my dogs or land which I walk alongside. It is beneficial to my metal health and the mental health of the local population. and would have significant impact if it were removed for housing. This land has been a lifeline for many during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The wildlife lost would be tragic in the shrinking greenbelt.

In addition the local infrastructure is not appropriate for thousands o additional homes and residents. All sites are on very busy roads where numerous fatal accidents have occurred over the years. The congestion of traffic and the subsequent impact on health would put significant strain on the local NHS

Support

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 17929

Received: 02/10/2021

Respondent: Mr Kevin Leedham

Representation Summary:

SUPPORT of Corbett Meadow as LGS as per Policies DSA4 and ENVS

As a resident and local walker of these footpaths and environs I most strongly object to the development of the above sites and support the further protection of Corbett Meadow.

In addition I strongly oppose other Councils, whose land abuts the Black Country from developing along our borders and thus further impinging and stretching ALL services paid for by Black Country Residents.

I object for the following reasons:

 All these sites provide valuable green lungs and a filter on air pollution
 Development would displace fauna, flora and wildlife, in effect ecocide
 Corbett Meadow is also a historic site

 These Green Open Spaces have and continue to provide recreational use that is so vital to “our” collective mental and physical heath and general wellbeing and in the case of the Corbett Meadow, the NHS who own the site should place a value on this and NOT go for short term gain.

 The increase in local population due to development would bring with it:

 Increased air pollution
 Impact upon an already overburdened traffic system ,thro’ congestion which adds cost to business and anxiety to the individual.
 Increased and unsustainable burden on Health, Education and other services.

 People do not want to live within a concrete/tarmac jungle and those individuals and entrepreneurs who are most capable, will seek to relocate, depriving the Council of both revenue and the most interesting of employment opportunities..

Comment

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 17982

Received: 01/10/2021

Respondent: Save the Corbett Meadow Action Group

Representation Summary:

[Policy DSA4]

COMMENTS ON BLACK COUNTRY PLAN in relation to Corbett Meadow ‘Local Green Space’
POLICY DSA4 – CORBETT MEADOW LOCAL GREENSPACE: BCP pages 434-435, Sub paras: A115-A120

Dear Sirs
As a resident of Stourbridge I am lodging my comments here on the Black Country Plan, with respect to one specific site in Amblecote, with which I am closely familiar: known as The Corbett Meadows.
Although it is registered as a SLINC (Site of Local importance for Nature Conservation) and has now been accorded Local Green Space (LGS) status by Dudley MBC, I understand it is still under a degree of threat from unspecified developers, probably for house building, should DMBC be minded to grant a planning permission. The LGS designation should override this, but apparently does not come into effect until 2024. Meanwhile, there is still a risk that an application could be approved by DMBC.
I wish to hereby affirm that I strongly support the Dudley Council’s planning department’s decision to designate the Corbett Meadows site as a Local Green Space, which will give the land long-term protection.
However, in the interim prior to 2024, should a planning decision be made permitting any form of built development which may adversely impact the open space, landscape, historical and nature conservation value of the site and as a member of the “Save the Corbett Meadow Action Group” I would be vehemently opposed, on the following grounds:

1) Biodiversity: Habitat and Landscape Connectivity.
This 5.7 Ha site sits at one end of a valuable connective chain of unbuilt-up habitat for wildlife which, via the neighbouring allotments and recreation area links (hedgerows and garden plots/vegetation), directly to the Coalbourne Brook corridor, also a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation. This is important in the context of nature networks and protecting biodiversity in the urbanised West Midlands.

2)Biodiversity: Habitat and Species - High Value.
The land has its own intrinsic value for wildlife, flora and fauna, specifically: old undisturbed acid and neutral grassland, a priority habitat* rich in flora, in particular pignut, bird’s-foot trefoil, sheep’s sorrel, common cat’s-ear, common vetch, field woodrush and bluebell; two permanent ponds which support populations of common frog and toad, which in turn provide certain predator species such as heron and grass snake with a food supply; finally old and mature parkland trees, some of which date back to the last war.
The hawthorn Jewel beetle (Agrilus sinuatus) a scarce and local species, has recently been recorded from veteran hawthorn trees on site, and the grassland flora attracts butterflies and moths in the summer months e.g. six-spot burnet moth (Zygaena filipendulae), burnet companion (Euclidia glyphica) – moth species recorded 270621

*// 1)&2) sub-para - appended: Local Authority planners should note the following:- The Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act, 2006 (NERC) came into effect. In Section 41 of the Act there is a list of habitats and species which are “of principal importance for the purpose of conserving biodiversity”. This lists all the BAP habitats and species which are regarded as priorities for conservation under the UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework. The list includes 56 habitats and 943 species. It was included to assist public bodies with the statutory duty placed on them by Section 40 of the Act. This is often referred to as the ‘Biodiversity Duty’ and states that public bodies have to:
“In exercising their functions, have regard, so far as is consistent with the proper exercise of those functions, to the purpose of conserving biodiversity.”
Priority species and habitats are also recognised in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which came into effect in early 2012. The NPPF replaced most of the planning guidance which was previously available. It promotes the preservation, restoration and re-creation of priority habitats and ecological networks as well as the protection and recovery of priority species (paragraph 117). //

3) Users and patients at the Corbett Hospital.
This landscape and its rural prospect provides a wonderful backdrop for people, possibly in pain or anxious, visiting the hospital perhaps for treatment. The scenery observable from the Hospital complex is far more conducive to healing than would be acres of concrete brick and tarmac – the view from the hospital’s restaurant for example and from benches outside. In fact, its potential benefits as an “outdoor surgery” for improving community health and well-being cannot be ignored.
The meadow has huge potential benefits for continuing to be managed for the public good and for education and health benefits. Appropriate management – in particular continuity of grazing, mowing - for nature conservation and perhaps a restricted opening/by permit, nature-trail for the community could be achieved by such bodies as the Stourbridge Community Land Trust and the Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust

4) Historic Value:
The origin of the grassland on site suggest it has been largely undisturbed for as long as 250 years. Site was known as ‘Hanbury Field’ from 18thC documents (reference old historic maps and OS 1st editions). Philanthropist John Corbett gifted the land and the meadow to the people of Stourbridge. It is rightfully theirs and not at the disposal of the NHS to sell off as a building plot.

5) Potential Harmful Impacts of ‘infill’ Built Development on this Site.

• RISK OF CARBON/CO2 RELEASE (DUE TO SITE EXCAVATION AND LEVELLING)
Longstanding historic grassland such as this is important for carbon storage and sequestration.
Grassland soil carbon stocks in semi-natural grasslands range between 60 t C ha-1 and 87 t C ha-1 for English neutral and acid grasslands respectively (Emmett and others 2010 – as cited in Natural England Research Report: NERR094, 20/04/2021). Excavation work prior to a development would release large amounts of atmospheric carbon at a time when UK is trying to achieve net zero emissions by 2030

• POTENTIAL FOR RUN-OFF & FLASH FLOODING CREATED BY HARD SURFACES ON A HILLY SITE
Local High flood risk areas (Environment Agency) are along the River Stour and particularly in the Area of Glasshouse College, Wollaston. Would prior investigations into degree of flood risk via storm drains be carried out? It all ends up in the Stour! Planning guidance is covered within the NPPF

• REMOVAL OF THE COOLING EFFECT OF A GREEENSPACE WITH TREES ON EXISTING SURROUNDING HOUSING AND THE HOSPITAL
Have adequate and accurate studies been done into the impacts on human health and on the local environment and of removing this almost 6 Hectares of grasslands and parkland trees and ‘blue-space’ (ponds) as well as ‘green space’?? See page 79 of the UK Government’s 25 year plan for the Environment and Green Infrastructure projects.

• ADDITIONAL ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION AND REDUCTION IN AIR QUALITY
Ditto – as above.

• CREATION OF EXTRA TRAFFIC AND PRESSURE ON LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE
Studies already carried out by the “save the Corbett Meadow Action Group”!? [ I don’t feel I wish to comment here]


In conclusion, I firmly believe that any planning permission for built development on this valuable site and part of Stourbridge and Dudley’s local heritage would have irrevocable and absolutely catastrophic consequences for both nature conservation/biodiversity and the future health and wellbeing of the local community, as well as the healthy environment of the hospital and its outpatients, currently in essentially a semi-rural parkland setting.

The future of The Corbett Fields/Meadows, as a Site of local Importance for Nature Conservation (SLINC) and as a Local Greenspace (LGS) lies in its adoption, with NHS agreement or under the terms of a lease, by a competent manager, such as a Wildlife Trust, for wildlife and the local community – with careful management and limited public access at certain times. It should in fact be granted Local Nature Reserve (LNR) status, at the earliest possible opportunity.

Support

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 17992

Received: 03/10/2021

Respondent: Mrs Michelle Higgs

Representation Summary:

I fully support the proposed designation of the Corbett Meadow in Amblecote as a Local Green Space (LGS) in the Black Country Plan (Policy DSA4, p434 and Policy ENV5, p230). It is vital that the LGS status is granted to the meadow land to help protect this valuable green lung and wildlife habitat for generations to come. It can then be used by the community for educational and health purposes, in line with John Corbett's original vision when he gifted the land to the people of Stourbridge.

Support

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 18006

Received: 08/10/2021

Respondent: Joan Kendrick

Representation Summary:

Title of Document:Draft Black Country Plan
Policy Referenc: DSA4

I support the proposal to allocate land at Corbett Meadow, Stourbridge as a Local Green Space Designation (LGSD).
1. What remains of Corbett Meadow is an important part of the historical and natural environment in Amblecote and has been for over 100 years.
2. With climate change it is increasingly important as a green lung or a breath of fresh air in contrast to the pollution from traffic on Amblecote High Street (A449).
3. It is one of the few ‘healthy and safe places’ remaining in Amblecote.

In 1892 John Corbett donated The Hill and the surrounding estate to create a hospital to serve the people of Stourbridge and district. He paid for the conversion of the house and £20,000 as an endowment. Additional money to support the hospital came from donations and an annual fete held in the grounds. It was clearly never the intention to fund the hospital by selling off bits of land to buy bandages and bedpans.
In July 1948 ( under the national Health Service Act of 1946) Corbett Hospital and its grounds became part of the NHS. National Insurance and taxes went towards running costs.
Dudley Primary Trust has already sold off some of the land to developers and Diane Wake, chief executive of The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust sees the land as a ‘resource’. As long as she thinks that way the future of the Meadow will be in jeopardy.
Such a sale would provide much needed cash in the short term but in the long term would mean an irretrievable loss to the local area.
There is an increasing appreciation of how the natural environment can help mental health. A friend has dementia and one of the last proper conversations I had with him was in the Corbett Hospital Cafe overlooking the Meadow. He talked of how, as a boy, he had played there and discovered a love of nature that stayed with him all his life. He described hearing birdsong and the excitement when he found Great Crested Newts in one of the ponds. That view of the Meadow brought back happy memories and had a calming effect on him. Could the meadow not be used to help people struggling with mental health problems?
Amblecote has little green space remaining and during my lifetime I have seen many large estates built here. The Old Wharf Road Development of 250+ properties is set to put additional strain on an infrastructure that is already inadequate, especially as regards GPs and schools. Giving Corbett Meadow an LGS is the right and moral thing to do.

Support

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 18161

Received: 11/10/2021

Respondent: Mrs Valerie Bloomer

Representation Summary:

I support Policy DSA4, for Corbett Meadow Local Green Space designation. The designation is well deserved because of the historical important of the site to the surrounding community, that it is an ancient meadowland, was gifted to the community, and for its value over the years for recreation and as a wildlife haven. It is a much needed green space for the area of Amblecote.

Comment

Draft Black Country Plan

Representation ID: 18163

Received: 30/09/2021

Respondent: Mr Peter Dyson

Representation Summary:

GB1 [& DSA4]

I support the protection of green belt for the Stourbridge area. We are very please particularly with the protection of the Corbett Meadow.