Draft Black Country Plan

Comment

Representation ID: 17496

Received: 20/09/2021

Respondent: City of Wolverhampton Liberal Democrats

The above document calls for responses to the Plan, specifically to the plans for substantial housing development on the fringes of the City.
City of Wolverhampton Liberal Democrats are concerned about several aspects of the plan to expand housing in the North-East part of the City, in particular with regard to both the Bushbury strategic allocation and the Fallings Park allocation.
In both cases, the majority of the plan involves an intrusion into the Green Belt, not just in a technical sense, but in demolishing some of the most beautiful and historic parts of the City, well used by local people for recreation.


Bushbury strategic allocation
Referring to the Bushbury allocation, the plan shows a reservation for '148 homes plus
potential primary school'. This is a plan to which we have no objection. The land had been earmarked for housing for a considerable time so the plan is a good one.
That is where our acceptance ends. The remainder of the plan would be a nightmare for residents of Wolverhampton.
On the map, one can see, clearly identified, 'Moseley Old Hall'. As you may be aware, the Hall plays an important part of the history of the United Kingdom, having sheltered King Charles the Second, after the battle of Worcester. The nearby Northycote Lane, appropriately enough, is blessed with at least 20 ancient oaks, a symbol of the King's restoration, and the plans would result in the felling of these historic trees. It is incredible that the lane and its flora and fauna could be sacrificed in this way. The lane is used by walkers, cyclists and naturalists and its character would be destroyed if one side of the
lane were to be erased.
Further north, along Northycote Lane where it crosses Waterhead Brook, there is to be seen an area of wetland which is scarce in the area; losing this natural spot would be unconscionable.
In addition, Mosely Hall Farm is a listed building and its character would be completely wrecked by the Plan.
Consequently, we wish to register our objection to all development to the East of
Northycote Lane and Underhill Crescent.

Object

Representation ID: 17497

Received: 20/09/2021

Respondent: City of Wolverhampton Liberal Democrats

The above document calls for responses to the Plan, specifically to the plans for substantial housing development on the fringes of the City.
City of Wolverhampton Liberal Democrats are concerned about several aspects of the plan to expand housing in the North-East part of the City, in particular with regard to both the Bushbury strategic allocation and the Fallings Park allocation.
In both cases, the majority of the plan involves an intrusion into the Green Belt, not just in a technical sense, but in demolishing some of the most beautiful and historic parts of the City, well used by local people for recreation.

Fallings Park strategic allocation

Turning to the Failings Park allocation (which is nowhere near Fallings Park!), we object to the Housing Proposals on both sides of Wood End Road, for the similar reasons, of environmental destruction, and the felling of several mature trees (oak, beech and others).

Given the recent changes to the Planning White Paper, and uncertainties thereto, we recommend that the areas we identify as naturally sensitive should be omitted from any Housing Plan.