Homes plan set for nod despite protests

Controversial plans to build a new housing estate at a Sandwell beauty spot look set to go ahead, despite hundreds of objections.

More than 400 people signed petitions against the plans from Mar City Developments for 36 homes on land near Lench's Wood in Rowley Regis. Nearby residents complained that the scheme would destroy the habitat of wildlife and threaten a memorial wood planted for victims of the First World War.

The plans were granted outline permission last year.

Now detailed plans have been recommended for approval by Sandwell Council planning officers, with the proposals going to planning chiefs for a decision tomorrow night.

Developers have also submitted a separate application to vary the terms of the original agreement, allowing them increase the height of 14 of the homes from two to three storeys on the 2.7 acre site off Admirals Way, Yew Tree Lane and Victory Avenue

A further 32 objections have been received against the application with many raising fears about the impact on wildlife and traffic in the area.

People living near Lench's Wood nature reserve fear it will drive animals away – but the developers have pledged to protect badgers, foxes, trees and other wildlife after agreeing a wildlife management plan with the council.

A report to the council says that it is only the matters of detail, such as appearance and landscaping, which now need to be decided.

It says that the principle of residential development on the site has already been established through granting outline permission.

A report from council planning officer Mike Nicholls says the detail of the plans are considered acceptable and that layout and design have been the subject of considerable negotiation with the applicants.

It says the three-storey design of some of the homes was limited to the west of the site and would have no adverse affect on existing homes.