Part One: Spatial Strategy and Policies (Regulation 18)

Support

Representation ID: 271

Received: 22/12/2023

Respondent: Friends of Homer Hill Park

I agree with and support the policy of keeping a green belt to benefit urban areas in their present state and future development.

The greenbelt surrounding Oldnall Road in Cradley & Wollescote is particularly important to our local residents for their health and wellbeing.

This was evidenced in the support given in 2020 to The Friends of Homer Hill Park & Cradley Then & Now when asking for signatures (approx 356 were obtained in a relatively short time) in favour of the green belt being kept as it is and not diminished.

A real reason for concern is the desire and of local landowners to sell what they own with no consideration of the outcome to the local population. Redevelopment for housing or commercial reasons would have devastating consequences to the nature of the area. It is also becoming obvious that politicians, namely Labour Party leaders, are openly saying that development for housing should not be held back because of considerations over loss of green belt land.

Comment

Representation ID: 272

Received: 22/12/2023

Respondent: Friends of Homer Hill Park

The extended Flint Field area north of Oldnall Road, along with the site of the Oldnall settlement and Oldnall Colliery, should be protected by designation as Local Green Space.

All of the criteria for such designation is fulfilled, ie beauty, tranquility and use for recreation by the community.

It also has great historic interest as there is evidence of very significant prehistoric and Roman settlement within the site within the Flint Field site: a large quantity of Mesolithic flints; a lesser number of Neolithic flints; Bronze Age and Iron Age shards; evidence of a Romano-British farmstead (occupied 1st to 4th century).

It is an important part of our local history which should be preserved for future generations to learn about,enjoy and explore, along with the natural beauty of the entire site.

The area needs protection from re-development. Its status as greenbelt land should be added to by LGS designation.

Green belt designation does not prevent all development. It does not recognise the value of the land to the local community surrounding it, as does LGS designation.