Hagley residents braced for homes fight

Midland residents are braced for a new fight amid fears up to 250 homes could be built on previously protected land.

A 550,000 sq ft area of land is being opened up for potential development by a district council.

The move for Hagley, near Stourbridge, is part of the Bromsgrove District Council's core strategy, which aims to attract investment to the area.

The news comes as an appeal is being made by developers Billingham and Kite against the rejection of a separate alleged "garden grabbing" scheme.

Locals had campaigned against the proposals for Brook Crescent, which were refused by planners last month.

A public meeting has been organised for Friday, where residents will draw up a plan of action to try and stop any developments going ahead.

The latest land under threat land, between Bromsgrove Road and Kidderminster Road, has been designated as an Area of Development Restraint (ADR) since 2005 - the same level of protection as green belt.

A council report says the land, which is mainly fields, is only protected until the authority "decides to release it for development".

The report states the piece of land could accommodate 250 homes.

A public consultation is currently being held on the core strategy, with residents encouraged to submit their opinions.

The public meeting takes place at 7pm at Hagley Roman Catholic High School.