National Trust bosses 'very concerned' about planned link road close to Moseley Old Hall

A consultation is taking place on three proposals to create the link road to the old Royal Ordnance Factory in Featherstone, which it is hoped will be developed into employment land.

Residents have raised concerns about the impact on the nearby area.

And bosses of the historic 17th century property have now said they will also be opposing the plans.

Under the proposals, there would be a link road for the ROF Featherstone site which would cut across the fields south of Moseley Old Hall to create a link between Cat and Kittens Lane and the A460.

Options A and B would see the link road off the Cannock Road and join Cat and Kittens Lane, while a third option would need a bridge across the West Coast Main Line and then join on to the Stafford Road.

Bosses at the National Trust said today that the road would 'fundamentally change' the character of the historic site.

Michelle Fullard, general manager for the National Trust in Staffordshire, said: "The National Trust is very concerned about the proposed Featherstone Link Road and in particular where the route will impact upon Moseley Old Hall as we believe it would fundamentally change the character of the approach and the experience of Moseley as a hidden sanctuary."

"The National Trust is formally objecting the proposal upon these grounds, and would encourage anyone with similar concerns to raise their objections with South Staffordshire Council."

Moseley Old Hall is an Elizabethan farmhouse, which is famous for hiding King Charles II from Oliver Cromwell's troops after he fled the Battle of Worcester in 1651.

It also boasts gardens with a variety of 17th-century plants, a fruit orchard and a striking knot garden.

Councillor Bob McCardle, cabinet member for strategic services at South Staffordshire Council said has said that no decisions have yet being made and the authority is encouraging local people to have their say.

The council is consulting as part of the South Staffordshire Site Allocation 'Preferred Options' document.

The consultation closes today Friday (12). People can have their say online at www.sstaffs.gov.uk/siteallocations