Slow worms scupper housing plan

The humble slow worm is in danger of wrecking an architect's plans to rescue his family's historic Black Country home from dilapidation.

Plans to build 14 homes in the grounds of Wordsley Manor in Wordsley would raise £400,000 for renovations.

But Dudley Council is recommending the scheme should be refused as the project would pose a risk to slow worms and bats at the site. Christopher Firmstone's family has lived at the Grade II listed building, off Meadowfields Close, for 160 years.

But he says he may be forced to sell up if the housing development is turned down.

The 73-year-old said: "I have never encountered a slow worm myself, even though I grew up here and used to play in the grounds.

"I accept that they found some slow worms here but I find this sudden hiccup at the 11th hour utterly inexplicable.

"If we don't get planning permission I doubt we will be able to stay here much longer and we might have to sell — and someone may come along with a plan for institutional use or the building may be bought by someone less scrupulous."

Mr Firmstone and his wife, Joan, 70, who have three grown-up children, hope that the sale of roughly half of their three acres of land to developers will raise the £400,000 needed for repairs to the building.

Parts of the roof are currently covered in plastic sheeting to prevent leaks.

The couple moved into the manor house, built in 1727, around 20 years ago after Mr Firmstone inherited it.

"We are the fifth or sixth generation of our family to be here but it was in a state of vast dilapidation," said Mr Firmstone.

Mr Firmstone and developers Selbourne Homes have been in discussion with planners for four years.

Conservation group Natural England objected as it says the developers do not have a scheme to protect slow worms at the site.

Selbourne Homes says it has a slow worm and bat friendly solution. But council officers are recommending refusal as they are not satisfied with the solution.