100 homes planned under Wolverhampton 'airport village'

Plans have been submitted for a sprawling scheme at Wolverhampton Halfpenny Green Airport in Bobbington, which will see 112 homes built alongside three new aircraft hangars.

As part of the 'airport village' scheme, airport owner MCR Property Group also wants to demolish and replace up to seven retail buildings at the 400-acre site, create new office space and parking facilities, and refurbish the existing airport.

It marks the second time the proposals have been put forward to South Staffordshire Council, having been initially submitted in February 2019.

South Staffordshire MP Gavin Williamson has written to council chiefs to highlight concerns over its impact on the environment, rising noise and traffic levels and pressures on local services.

He said: “This is the second time that these plans have been put forward and there still seems to be no regard for the current residents of Bobbington.

"Due to the lack of public transport, there will be increased car usage on the narrow roads, many of them are unlit.

"Development on this scale will undoubtedly ruin the very nature of the airport and take away the unique feel.

"I will continue to work with local residents and the parish council to stand up for the interests of the residents of South Staffordshire.”

The scheme has been met with widespread opposition from residents.

Roger Williams said it would introduce "a high density urban development into what is currently an open rural location".

Amanda Fortey said the infrastructure was not there to support the scheme, and that the "increase in traffic and pollution will have a devastating effect on all local wildlife and the village life that has been created and nurtured by people who have chosen to live here".

Maxine Smith said: "Our roads, sewage and school will not cope with the amount of families this development will take." Others fear the scheme is part of a wider plan to eventually replace the airport completely with a housing estate.

The plans will see homes of between two and five bedrooms located to the right of the main entrance on Crab Lane, on the south side of the airport near the 'old cinema'.

The three new hangars will be to the north and north east of the site.

A design and access statement for the project says it will "become a positive asset for the district and parish in terms of design, layout, open space and the contribution it can make to enhancing the sustainability of the wider area".

It adds: "The development will turn the current airport into an open and inclusive settlement with a mix of employment, community and recreational facilities for use by the existing and new community."

The full plans can be viewed at South Staffordshire District Council's planning portal, application number 20/00893/OUT.