Dozens object to homes plan on former Dudley tip

Developer Ideal Estates wants to build on the old Woodsetton tip, but the plans have led to concerns from residents and councillors about waste buried in the ground and the potential impact on wildlife.

The former landfill site has not been used for around 30 years.

Ward councillor Adam Aston said he was 'extremely concerned' about the plan when the application was lodged in March and now objections have flooded in from people living near the site on Bourne Street.

Councillor Aston said 96 per cent of residents he had spoken to were against the development and that concerns surrounded the possible contamination of the land from years of being used for landfill, increased congestion on the roads and the impact on wildlife.

The area is classed as a site of local importance for nature conservation and Natural England has previously objected to applications to build on the 2.9 acre site due to fears of disrupting wildlife.

Ideal Estates and site owners Real Homes One have moved to ease these fears by promising to create new woodland for wildlife as part of the development.

A total of 37 objections have been handed to Dudley Council.

One objector insisted the development is 'not appropriate for the location' and said the developer should 'seek alternative sites that would not lead to the detriment of the existing residents, wildlife and road safety'.

Another unnamed resident said: "Many are very worried about the subsequent problems that could arise if this project is given the green light, it is very clear the majority are not in favour of it and would certainly not welcome it.

"There is a lot of concern over the deposits that were tipped there, and the safety of the residents."

Several attempts have been made to develop the land over the years but all have either been rejected or withdrawn.

Ideal Estates was prevented from building homes in 2011 but has now come back with fresh proposals.

An outline application for a residential development has been lodged with Dudley Council, with a decision on it yet to be made.