AROUND 50 people turned up to a friendly protest against the controversial proposals for up to 1,000 homes on the site of the former North Worcestershire Golf Club.
The get-together was organised by Coun Andy Cartwright and Coun Julie Johnson who rallied residents after the plans were submitted by Bloor Homes for the properties, along with a public open space, primary school, multi-use community hub, new access points and associated infrastructure on the site.
The land sits between Frankley Beeches Road, Hanging Lane, Elan Road, Josiah Road and Tessall Lane.
Coun Cartwright told The Standard: “It was great to see the united support and to be able to discuss aspects of the planning application with residents as this is such a massive concern to so many.
“It’s so encouraging to know our concerns are shared and we want everyone to know in Weoley and Longbridge that what matters to you, matters to us.”
Campaigners say because this part of the ward was never included in the Longbridge Area Action Plan, no new infrastructure or public services had been included in it and they added Longbridge already had already had its own fair share of houses built in the area.
Other concerns include over-development, traffic problems and extra strain on GP surgeries and schools.
They fear the development could flood as green spaces are lost.
Coun Cartwright added: “Together we are asking the NWGC land owners to offer the site up for sale to others, such as a leisure facility that could offer different services whilst creating jobs and community resources, a nature reserve or a community asset.”
Coun Cartwright, Coun Johnson and MP Richard Burden have all urged residents to have their say via the Birmingham City Council Planning Portal.
Bloor Homes have previously said the plans were submitted following significant public consultation which found a balance of views both for and against the proposals.
The company added, whilst the site was not allocated in the emerging Birmingham development plan, the only reason the Inspector did not include it was in the absence of detailed analysis of the impact of traffic from the development on the local road network.
It claimed that work had now been completed and there was no reason why the application could not be positively determined, adding Birmingham City Council had a significant housing need it was unable to meet.
