A BID to build up to 85 homes on green belt land in Lickey End has been hit with fierce backlash, with residents claiming it would lead to the destruction of greenbelt land.
Bromsgrove MP Bradley Thomas, who is opposed to Mac Mic Strategic Land Limited’s plans to build up to 85 homes on land at Alcester Road, started a survey to gather public opinion, with a letter being sent to every house in Lickey End.
In total, 98 per cent of respondents are opposed to the planning application, while all who replied feel that there should be investment in local infrastructure first before more houses are built.
In addition, 97 per cent of those who took part said they opposed the Government’s 85 per cent increase in Bromsgrove’s housebuilding target.
And everyone who replied to Mr Thomas felt brownfield land should be used first before building on the greenbelt.
The proposals have been brought forward under the Government’s ‘Grey Belt’ route, which allows for sites within the Green Belt that are already influenced by development, or do not strongly contribute to the purposes of the Green Belt, to be released for new housing.
Mr Thomas said: “Our greenbelt is under attack like never before.
“The proposals for Alcester Road have been brought forward under the Government’s nonsensical ‘grey belt’ definition, which has emboldened developers to build on greenbelt land.
“There is no need to build on our precious greenbelt land when there is enough brownfield land available in England to build 1.41 million homes on.”
The applicants argue that, to tackle the housing crisis, national planning policy allows the Green Belt to be suitable for new homes where it can deliver clear public benefits.
They add that Bromsgrove Council cannot demonstrate a five-year housing land supply with a very substantial shortfall.
The homes would be limited to the northern areas of the site, next to the existing properties, to create a natural extension to the settlement and to avoid areas at risk of river flooding.
Planning documents, prepared on behalf of the applicants, added: “The proposed scheme would not bring about any adverse impacts that significantly and demonstrably outweigh the identified benefits, which are numerous and tangible.
“It will deliver significant benefits across the different aspects of sustainable development.”
Visit Bromsgrove District Council’s planning portal and search for application reference 26/00015/OUT for more information and to have your say.
