A PETITION has been launched by “deeply concerned” residents in north Redditch to fight housing development plans at and around Abbey Park Golf Course.
The petition, launched by residents from North Redditch Communities Alliance, comes as a planning application has been officially lodged by David Wilson Homes to build 216 homes on parts of the current golf course and adjacent fields on Hither Green Lane and Dagnell End Road.
Residents in Bordesley, Hither Green Lane, Beoley and Church Hill have expressed dismay at the plans and say the development would lead to residents losing a vital open green space.
They have joined forces to create North Redditch Communities Alliance and their newly launched petition states that they are “deeply concerned” with the plans, adding: “The proposed development would have a detrimental effect on the environment, biodiversity and the wild life in the area which includes deer, foxes, bats, rabbits and birds in and around the numerous ponds.
"There is also an even greater risk of flooding as more and more fields are concreted over.”
It continues: "This would mean further loss of green space in an area that has already suffered heavy losses in green space with the newly built Bovis homes opposite the Abbey Stadium and the planned development of 800 plus Persimmons homes adjacent to it; all on greenfield sites.
“The Birmingham Road and Dagnell End Road traffic light junction is already over capacity with frequent traffic jams occurring as a result. The additional cars and journeys that come with those houses would extend people's travel times and increase air and noise pollution. During a climate emergency this is counter to the council’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions.”
Speaking after the launch of the petition, Birgit Morris from North Redditch Communities Alliance said: "Everyone is worried about the loss of green space, especially in light of the two building developments nearby.
"The green space is going to be eroded and become urban sprawl."
It is proposed that homes will be designed around an existing pond, and trees and hedgerows will be enhanced to create a buffer to the existing houses on Hither Green Lane.
The proposals show a mix of two storey detached, semi-detached and terraced homes with several 2.5 storey homes, 30 per cent which will be "affordable".
The application also includes plans for access off Hither Green Lane, pedestrian and cycle access and a play area.
Dominic Harman, Managing Director for David Wilson Homes Mercia said: “We’ve recently submitted a planning application for 208 new high quality properties in Redditch, 62 of which would be much needed affordable homes. If our planning application were to be approved, it would give us the opportunity to meet not only the demand for housing in the area, but will underpin a number of jobs for local people, sub-contractors and suppliers.
“Our plans for the development include the provision and opening up to the new community over eight acres of open space with pedestrian and cycle access and equipped play areas for children. Should our application be granted, we plan to invest in a range of facilities in the community.”
The application is available to view and open to comments on the Redditch Borough Council planning portal under the reference 21/01830/FUL.
The petition can be found at: https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/stop-housing-development-on-abbey-park-golf-course
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