Decision on warehouse plans near M5 'delayed' again

Developers have lodged proposals to build new storage and distribution warehouses on the Oldbury wildlife corridor – on land next to Asda.

The move has sparked uproar among residents, with a petition gathering more than 21,000 signatures.

A decision on the plans was initially due in September but was deferred for a site visit - and councillors delayed a decision at their October meeting to ask for “further information”.

But reports for tonight’s revealed that a decision will be delayed for another month, as they ask for more information from the applicant.

Locals believe the development would destroy vital wildlife habitats – and that there are other, more suitable sites.

More than 21,000 people have so far signed a petition against the plans, which would include two units to be used for storage and distribution.

Almost 19,000 signatures were amassed in just one week after the petition was launched back in August.

Phil Shakespeare, who launched the petition against the plans, said: "It is the same as the start of last month where they deferred it because they are waiting for more information. Highways have grave concerns about traffic congestion I have heard.

"When you have handed a council a petition with more than 20,000 signatures they have got to get everything right. Because there is such public scrutiny they seem a bit more apprehensive to do it right. But whether that means a good outcome or a bad outcome, I don't know.

"People are still fighting against these plans – but we are in limbo until a decision is made."

The woodland is located off Wolverhampton Road between the Asda superstore and Langley Primary School and is near to the M5, which runs on a bridge close by.

Sandwell Council’s planning committee is expected to make a decision on the plans in the coming months.