Joy as plan for new homes on Clockfields estate is rejected

Dudley Council’s development control committee rejected the planning application to build three detached four and five-bedroom homes with garages on public open space and woodland off Culverhouse Drive, on the estate on the Amblecote/Brierley Hill border, at last night’s meeting (Monday May 23).

More than 60 residents, plus ward councillors, Stourbridge MP Suzanne Webb, the Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street, had all objected to the scheme which was recommended for approval by council planning officers.

The Wildlife Trust for Birmingham and the Black Country also raised concerns – describing the site, part of a former open cast mine, as a key ecological linking area.

The open land off Culverhouse Drive

The trust said the wooded area was planted in 2001 as part of a Black Country Urban Forest Programme – adding that there was a deed of dedication in place to secure the woodland’s retention for 99 years.

At last night’s planning meeting councillor Paul Bradley urged the committee to reject the proposal for the site which he described as a "hive of nature” and an “asset to community daily life” and after listening to his impassioned plea, the committee voted against the scheme.

Resident Martin Parker said afterwards that he and his neighbours were “thrilled at the decision”.

Ward councillor Kamran Razzaq said it was a “fantastic result” for the residents and added: “We thank each and every one of them for the hard work and support in relation to this."

Stourbridge MP Suzanne Webb said there was “relief and smiling faces all around” after the controversial scheme was thrown out which she described as “a major win”.

The land off Culverhouse Drive which was left as public open space when the Clockfields estate was built on a former open cast coal mining site

She added: “It is vitally important we keep Stourbridge green, protect our environment and aid the well-being of residents through well-planned development in the right places.”