Dudley MP calls for deadline extension to housing development objections
An MP has called on council bosses to extend the deadline for objections to a Coseley.
Marco Longhi, Conservative MP for Dudley North, has called on Tory-led Dudley Council to extend the deadline beyond October 19, which it is currently set to.
Mr Longhi also wants to see the proposed site, a green space located on Bourne Street, become part of an "urban forest" instead of a new housing estate.
He has written to the Environment Agency expressing concerns that badgers, hedgehogs and bats, which currently live there, will be put under threat due to loss of natural habitat.
The land is said to be contaminated with asbestos and heavy metals as the site was formerly an open cast coal workings before it became a tip between the 1950s and1980s.
Abundance
Mr Longhi, who has met with residents and ward councillors over the matter, said: "Just the history of this land should be enough to put any developer off building family homes on this land.
"Despite the contamination it has become home to an abundance of wildlife, including badgers, hedgehogs and bats.
"It is vital that we protect local biodiversity for our environment. Rather than homes I would like to see this form part of an urban forest for the whole community to benefit.
"I have written to the Environment Agency because I am very concerned about this site and the danger of old toxic material being released from the ground should the site be developed.
"I have asked the Council to extend the time period for objections should residents wish to. All objections must in by October 19."
