Part Two: Centres and Site Allocations (Regulation 18)

Support

Representation ID: 365

Received: 14/12/2023

Respondent: Corbett Meadow Action Group

NPPF para 102 states that “The Local Green Space designation should only be used where the green space is … demonstrably special to the local community and holds a particular local significance, for example because of its beauty, historic significance, recreational value… tranquillity or richness of its wildlife …”

Taking each criterion in turn:-

• that Corbett Meadow is special to the local community is amply demonstrated by the outcry over its proposed development, the weight of objections that were made against the subsequent planning application and the explicit support that its designation as LGS received when first mooted
• The Meadow sits above and rolls down into the Coalbournebrook Valley and is a key element of Amblecote’s landscape & identity. Its beauty, both intrinsically and as a structural component of the character of the wider area, is self-evident but is also supported by Tree Preservation Orders and by SINC and AHHLV designations - see below
• its historic significance, from its earliest days as a rural hamlet, through to it being parkland associated with an eighteenth century mansion “The Hill” to the present day when it represents the only remaining greenspace of John Corbett’s legacy is clearly special and well documented, most recently in “The Last Meadow” 2023 (see above)
• Its recreational value has been demonstrated in the past through myriad uses by the local community. It is no longer accessible to the public but holds great potential for informal recreation, education, health & well-being. Indeed, the Friends of Corbett Meadow https://www.friendsofcorbettmeadow.com/ vision & programme for delivery for the better use of the Meadow for public benefit is taking shape, led by the Stourbridge Community Land Trust and supported by local health practitioners.
• The richness of the Meadow’s wildlife is demonstrated by its upgrade from a SLINC (local interest) to SINC (regional significance) through a proper and fully evidenced process in October 2022. It is noted that the full site assessment is included in the Council’s evidence base https://www.dudley.gov.uk/media/joricypg/corbett-hospital-grounds-local-site-assessment-report-form-2022.pdf

Therefore the proposed designation of Corbett Meadow as a Local Green Space is fully warranted.