Object

Representation ID: 9

Received: 23/11/2023

Respondent: Ms Iris Downey

Firstly, it as come as a shock to discover that plans are being put forward yet again to build on the
green between Highfield Road and Foredra􀅌 Street in Cradley.
Secondly, why were residents kept in the dark about this as the consultation period began on
November 10th and no local people were aware of it. In addition, the only drop-in event left to which we could have attended is on the 30th November in Sedgley, which is not possible for the majority to get to. Thirdly, many local residents do not use English as their first language and yet this has been totally ignored when presenting plans for their community.
1. The roads around here are narrow and inaccessible for anymore traffic and could not take large work vehicles needed to build. We already experience constant traffic problems on a daily basis as there is little parking space. Emergency vehicles and refuse vans create even more problems for residents' cars and pedestrians. 2. The green has become a little oasis for the elderly, those living with a disability or long term illness and for youngsters. We have no other place nearby which these people can access where they feel safe and enjoy the fresh air. 3. Environmentally, we have purposely made the place an area for trees, shrubs, herbs and where myriad of birds can be fed and dogs walked. With the increase of traffic fumes and noises from the nearby Windmill Hill it is vital to strive to take action to make this area as eco-friendly as we can. Building more on this site would overturn all the work we have done for the residents' health and well-being. I do sincerely hope you will reconsider your plans and allow this small green space to thrive in this generation and the generation to come

Object

Representation ID: 62

Received: 13/12/2023

Respondent: Cllr Simon Phipps

The inclusion of the green space between Highfield Road and Foredraft Street for development and access road would be unsuitable and cause issues on the highway for which applications have already been accepted by Dudley Council by way of withdrawing previous applications. The green space should be removed and access achieved from existing road on Foredraft Street to retain the rest of the development site.

This proposed land allocation is broadly acceptable, however, there are significant issues that arise from a prior planning application that would make part of this site unsuitable. Specifically, this is the small green space between Highfield Road and Foredraft Street.
A previous planning application which encompassed part of this allocation proposed dwellings and an access road through the green space off Highfield Road. This was unsuitable for a number of reasons, and I provide a copy of my original objection at the time below:


We would like to object to application P21/1294, which is the proposed development located on green space adjacent to Highfield Road, Cradley and derelict land in Foredraft Street, Cradley.
The previous application, which was very similar in nature to the resubmitted application, was refused on the following grounds:
• Loss of green space
• Antisocial behaviour
• Loss of parking
We do not feel that these issues have been sufficiently addressed in the resubmitted application for the following reasons.
The green space located on Highfield Road is a well-valued amenity space, even if currently it does not live up to its full potential. There is significant local interest in making sure this green space is better utilised in future. There are groups of residents willing to step up and make this space even more of an asset to the community.
Losing this amenity space would be a loss to many residents who use it as a helpful cut through to local shops and community facilities, dog-walkers and disabled residents in adapted properties whose closest green escape is this small and modest plot of land. Removing that green space would be a lost lifeline to those residents, and huge opportunities would be missed in enhancing this space for a wider use.
To the front of the green space on Highfield Road there is a long, uninterrupted strip of on-road parking available for residents who do not have off-road parking, which is a common feature on Highfield Road. The proposed new properties fronting Highfield Road would each have driveways, meaning the on-road parking would be reduced. The new access road across the green space would also further reduce on-road parking, displacing parked cars elsewhere. This has the potential to cause a significant issue with residents having to park even further away from their own homes.
The issues regarding access for large vehicles also remains during the construction phase of the proposed development. Unsuitably large vehicles will be accessing the development through Highfield Road and over the green space which is not is an acceptable solution. These vehicles would have to use an already tight and difficult junction of Highfield Road and Windmill Hill. This would also cause significant damage to the visual amenity that properties facing the development currently have as well as the associated highways concerns.
These issues would not just conclude with the end of construction but continue whenever large vehicles need to access the development in future for deliveries, collections or maintenance.
The lessons that should have been learnt from the previous application have not been learnt. Whilst something needs to be done with the derelict land on Foredraft Street, removing the green space and introducing new, unnecessary roads that will displace cars on an already congested road is not the answer. We ask that the application be called-in to the Development Control Committee, and the application be subsequently rejected, unless amended to address these concerns.


It is clear that the site is unsuitable for development should the green space be included within this allocation for the reasons set out above. Instead, the allocation should be amended to remove the green space but retain the rest of the development site. Access should be achieved from Rossendale Close and Foredraft Street itself, with the existing bollards moved to the boundary of the new development and the remaining car parking for the shops on Windmill Hill, so there can be no through traffic from Windmill Hill as is currently the case.

Object

Representation ID: 154

Received: 14/12/2023

Respondent: Mr David Sheppard

We object to any internal greenspace (that has wide community support as being retained for green lungs) inside the existing greenbelt being developed. Only brown space land should be built on in future plans. Specifically we object to land at Highfield Road and Foredraft Street, greenspace in Colley Gate, Cradley being developed as the community have transformed this space into a thriving local park. This land should be removed from Dudley's Local Plan DLP H029.

Object

Representation ID: 387

Received: 22/12/2023

Respondent: Friends of Colley Gate

Number of people: 321

Petition for 321 people - split between written PDF and an excel spreadsheet, both included in attachments. Duplicate sheets in the PDF have been removed.

As members of the Friends of Colley Gate community group, we have dedicated countless hours to transforming the green space on Highfield Road and Foredraft Street into a small oasis. Our efforts have been rewarded with a vibrant, thriving natural environment that benefits our community in Cradley, Halesowen. However, this precious green space is under threat due to Dudley's Local Plan which proposes to build 18 houses here.

Green spaces are not just aesthetic additions but they play an essential role in our urban environments. According to the World Health Organization, they promote physical activity, mental health and overall well-being among residents. Moreover, they contribute significantly towards biodiversity conservation and climate regulation.

The loss of this green space would be detrimental not only for us but also for future generations who deserve access to such natural environments within their urban landscapes. We understand the need for housing development but it should not come at the cost of destroying valuable green spaces that serve as a refuge for both people and wildlife.

We urge Dudley Council to reconsider their decision and exclude Highfield Road and Foredraft Street Green Space from their local plan and correctly designate the site as green space. Let us preserve what little nature we have left in our urban areas instead of replacing them with concrete structures.

Object

Representation ID: 489

Received: 15/12/2023

Respondent: Friends of Colley Gate

I am writing to you on behalf of the Friends of Colley Gate group who have raised concerns around the inclusion of Highfield Green as a prospective location for future housing development in the Dudley Local Plan 2041.

I understand that the Local Authority previously rejected a planning application for the construction of eleven new properties on this piece of land in 2020 on the grounds that it would be detrimental to the visual appearance and character of the area. A similar application was submitted again in 2021, but the plans were subsequently withdrawn by the applicant.

The Draft Local Plan identifies green space on Highfield Road and Foredraft Street as a piece of land with potential for eighteen new dwellings. I recognise that the Council must take steps to ensure that housing needs are met across the Dudley borough moving forward, but I do share concerns raised by members of the group and local councillors around the selection of this site and the loss of vital green space in the area.

In my role as Member of Parliament, I visited Highfield Green earlier this year and spoke with residents and members of the Friends of Colley Gate, who explained that they frequently use the land for exercise and relaxation, and they are currently working with the Local Authority to make it more accessible for wheelchair users. As I am sure you will appreciate, the loss of this green space
would not only be extremely disappointing for the local community, but it would also be detrimental to the environment and local habitat.

I would be grateful if you could confirm that these concerns have been noted and will be logged as
part of the public consultation on the Dudley Local Plan.