Industrial estate will "desecrate" Winyates Green Triangle, say councillors (From Redditch Advertiser)

Industrial estate will "desecrate" Winyates Green Triangle, say councillors

6:10pm Monday 15th October 2012 in Local

Councillors Gay Hopkins and Juliet Brunner

SEVERAL councillors have reacted with anger after plans were announced which they believe will “desecrate” a beautiful area of Redditch.

At an overview and scrutiny committee meeting last week, Councillor Greg Chance, portfolio holder for planning, announced that an industrial estate would be built on the Winyates Green Triangle, in an area also known as the Eastern Gateway into Redditch.

Councillor Juliet Brunner who chairs the overview and scrutiny committee, said: “I am horrified at the thought of an industrial estate on Winyates Green and have grave concerns about how the infrastructure will cope.

“This will be a disaster for Redditch. What will it say about our town if when entering visitors are met with huge factories.”

Councillor Gay Hopkins, who is also a member of overview and scrutiny, said: “We already have large industrial estates nearby in Winyates, Matchborough and Church Hill and many remain empty, so why do we need another large factory site?

“Winyates Green is one of the most lovely areas which has a rural feel. This plan would desecrate its beauty.”

Both councillors added that they have real concerns about the thought of articulated lorries travelling down Far Moor Lane through a residential area.

Coun Chance said: “Good planning has to provide the right level of development at the same time as providing what is important and promotes sustainable ways of life.”

He said the priority was that local people be provided with homes and jobs, while making sure that there is enough open space in the town.

He added that Redditch people enjoyed more green space per head of population than anywhere else in the UK.