Playing fields in Perton will not be developed, say council chiefs

It comes after concerns were raised by residents over fears vital green belt will be sacrificed for 587 new houses.

The plans, put forward by South Staffordshire Council, highlights a housing need of 8,845 including picking up a shortfall of 4,000 from neighbouring areas.

But now bosses have come forward to say the land is "definitely not on the table" – but they haven't ruled out other green belt areas, insisting no sites had been chosen.

Grant Mitchell, assistant director for enterprise and growth at South Staffordshire Council, said: "At this stage, this is not site specific so no sites have been chosen and the consultation is looking at a range of different options for broad locations for housing growth across the district.

"The playing field land at Perton is owned by South Staffordshire Council and the land is leased to Perton Parish Council for recreation use.

"There is no intention to develop the land and the council recognises the importance of the playing fields to local people and the health and wellbeing benefits it brings.

"We understand people’s concerns about the loss of this valuable area of open space but it is definitely not on the table for development and the people of Perton can rest assured that they will continue to be able to use it for sport and recreation."

Campaigners welcomed the decision but still feared other green belt areas – such as a small field at Boundary Farm in nearby Wightwick, and land off the A41 Wergs Road – would be used.

Perton Parish Council chair Penny Allen said: "We're delighted to hear they don't want to build on the playing fields.

"We've handed out nearly 450 forms since the meeting so we know the level of objections are very high.

"The Wightwick development is one that affects me personally and from our point of view, the joining of the development boundaries between Wolverhampton and Perton is highly objectionable.

Councillor Allen said a group was planning to "bombard" the district council with objections.

The eight-week consultation over the South Staffordshire Council's local plan will end on December 12 at 5pm.

For more information visit www.sstaffs.gov.uk/localplanreview