Hagley Hall owner plays down homes fear

Hundreds of campaigners carrying placards marched through Hagley to the gates of the 18th Century hall to deliver their own letter opposing the scheme.

They are demanding a rethink on proposed housing schemes including one for 175 homes on part of Lord Cobham's estate by developer Cala Homes.

The 12th viscount Cobham, Christopher Lyttelton, was not at the hall over the weekend after attending a family wedding abroad. Lord Cobham, in the open letter, said: "Undoubtedly there will be change in the village if the scheme goes ahead but to nowhere near the degree being predicted by some."

He added that Bromsgrove District Council has earmarked the site, off the A456 Kidderminster Road and the A491 Stourbridge Road, for "eventual development".

"I am afraid that any form of new development unavoidably gives rise to dissatisfaction and I quite understand the feelings of some residents," he said. "However having seen and had explained to me all of the detailed evidence and technical reports produced by Cala and their specialist consultants my conclusion is that many of the fears of some local residents are unfounded."

Lord Cobham said the land had been "openly promoted" for development by his brother John, who held the ancestral seat prior to his death in 2006.

Cash from the sale of the land bordering two of the busiest routes though the village will be spent on the upkeep of the hall and put towards the planned public reopening of Hagley Park.

Lord Cobham says Cala Homes have "legal control" over the site and councillors will take the ultimate decision on whether to grant planning permission.

Villagers say they are worried that a flood of new neighbours will stretch schools and village services – including the village's doctor's surgery – to breaking point.

There are also concerns that it will lead to more traffic along already congested roads.

A separate scheme to built 70 homes on land off Western Road has also been unveiled.

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