Villagers braced for second battle over Great Wyrley green belt homes
Controversial plans to build more than 130 homes on green belt land in Great Wyrley are back on the table – less than two years after 4,000 residents signed a petition opposing the development in the south Staffordshire village.
KGL Holdings want to build 136 homes on land off Landywood Lane.
The plans also include 90 park and ride spaces for Landywood station, 17 allotments and 23 acres of public park.
MP Gavin Williamson led a campaign against the development in 2013. He said: "The last time 4,2081 people signed our petition and said they didn't want it.
"I am deeply concerned and disappointed that proposals that have already been rejected once have been reheated and resubmitted."
He added: "A development of this size is not needed or wanted and local people have already said a clear no."
Campaigners have vowed to take on the developers again and the protest group already has more than 500 followers.
The proposals include 22 affordable houses and the money from 80 of the properties would be used to renovate and save four listed buildings in Penkridge.
Developer Ken Lees also owns Teddesley Park Estate, which includes four Heritage Assets. Mr Lees said he has been encouraged by the local authority to utilize alternative land to fund the renovation work.
He said: "We appreciate that all planning applications of this size in villages are not met with enthusiasm by the local residents, especially when in green belt land.
"However, it would be sensible for residents to consider supporting our comprehensive scheme, which includes the local plan requirements and substantial community benefits."
Hundreds of residents have raised concerns about the site merging neighbouring villages, additional traffic, limited school spaces and the impact on wildlife.
Details of the development will be on show at a public exhibition on Wednesday from 4-8pm at Great Wyrley Community Centre. A decision is expected in December.
