THE STORM of public opinion on the Bromsgrove District Council website objecting to a planning application for 1,300 houses in Perryfields has been backed by Bromsgrove MP Sajid Javid who has written to the council about the issue.
The torrent of 511 comments (at time of going to press) engulfed the site even though key documents about the planning application were only put onto the website last Wednesday (June 1).
The deadline for the public to respond to the planning application has also been extended to allow more time for comments – it was set for Friday (June 3) and has now been extended to July 3 after letters dated June 21 from Mr Javid and Bromsgrove Labour leader Coun Luke Mallett expressed concerns residents had about the short timescale to respond.
Much of the public outrage against the development is fuelled by the impact it could have on traffic congestion in the area – something residents say is already a concern.
However, a district council spokesperson said the Perryfields site has been earmarked for development since the 1990s.
In his letter dated Thursday (June 2) to planning officer Simon Jones – Mr Javid said: “While I understand this land was designated for housing, there is significant concern about the implications such a large-scale development would have on local infrastructure, facilities and environment.”
Mr Javid emphasised it was ‘vital’ officers considered the application ‘in the full context of its location.’
“Local authorities are already aware of the major traffic issues which present a daily challenge to Bromsgrove commuters.
“To have 1,300 families relying upon the same over-burdened infrastructure will clearly have a detrimental impact,” he added.
Mr Javid also said residents were not given enough time to respond to the planning application.
“I believe it important such a vast proposed change to this community must be nothing less than completely transparent and forthcoming.”
A Taylor Wimpey spokesperson told The Standard last week it was working closely with the local Highways Authority to determine the most appropriate off-site highways improvements to accommodate the proposed development.
