Campaign to fight plan for 140 South Staffordshire homes
A renewed bid to fight plans for more than 140 homes between two villages has been launched following an appeal by the builder to government planning chiefs.
Campaigners are to send leaflets to thousands of homes in Great Wyrley and Cheslyn Hay about new plans to oppose the development on green belt land in Landywood Lane.
The rallying call has been sounded by South Staffordshire MP Gavin Williamson who claimed the proposals were 'ridiculous'.
Dozens of residents answered an appeal for support this week, helping to pack 8,000 letters, petitions and displays cards into envelopes at Great Wyrley Community Centre ready for distribution.
The scheme to build 141 houses has been heavily criticised by the Environment Agency and was thrown out by South Staffordshire District Council.
But builder Ken Lees has appealed the decision, saying the application was fair and would benefit residents.
Mr Williamson is concerned that despite official backing for the campaign, the proposal 'risks being passed' at a higher level.
He said: "We are renewing our efforts to fight the development. I was chuffed when over 50 people volunteered this week to help stuff envelopes. It is truly inspiring to see the community come together like this to make a united fight against these ridiculous proposals which would result in the destruction of our green and pleasant land."
The MP is to present a petition to the House of Commons requesting that all possible steps are taken to protect the green belt for future generations. The flyers, asking for support, will be hand-delivered over the next few weeks to every home in Great Wyrley and Cheslyn Hay.
The application provides for a park-and-ride scheme on land adjacent to the site to serve the nearby railway station. A new health centre, care home and allotments are also planned.
Mr Lees, of Cannock-based KGL Estates, declined to respond today but said: "I will be commenting at a later date."
