Appeal to save green belt land after major housing estate plans emerge
"We don’t want homes on our green belt"
That was the overwhelming message from people in Stourbridge as neighbours came together to discuss plans for hundreds of houses.
People in the town are fighting to protect their local green belt land and nearly 100 people met at Stourbridge Town Hall to talk about current proposals for the town and the wider Black Country area.
People at the meeting raised issues about 1,000 homes that could be built on green belt land to the west of the town, other large developments at the north end, and plans to build on the Corbett Meadow behind the Corbett Outpatient Centre.
Resident Eddy Morton, who helped organise the event, said it was about giving the public a chance to make their voices heard.
He said he also wanted to discuss alternative options, such as affordable housing and eco-friendly builds.
He said: “We’re not saying that there should be no development, although we’re opposed to the green belt development and don’t think it’s necessary.
“We’re saying that two million houses need to be built as we have a housing crisis – why aren’t we building houses that are energy efficient and more affordable, so that people can put money back into the local economies?
“Communities should have a say in what’s built in their community.”
Ellen Hope Cobb, who has organised a petition against the proposals to build on the historic Corbett Meadow said to develop on the site would lead to disaster.
She said at the meeting: “This is a historical meadow in Amblecote with ancient trees and is a wildlife haven for badgers, bats, and numerous bird species.
"It is of great importance to local residents and any building on this land would be a disaster for local wildlife and put more pressure on surrounding roads and services.”
A public consultation will be held on November 4 about the plans.
