Fears for wildlife as homes plan gets approval

Residents have expressed disappointment after their "David and Goliath victory" over a developer was overruled.

Long-running proposals to build dozens of homes on a wildlife corridor in Oldbury, West Midlands, have seen significant local objection due to concerns about wildlife, privacy and congestion.

Sandwell Council's planning committee had agreed with neighbours, rejecting an application by developer Countryside because of cancer-linked pollution from busier roads.

But last month, the planning inspectorate approved the plans, overruling the local authority and saying pollution levels would be 'well within limits". The council said the decision was "final".

Countryside said it was pleased it had won its appeal, which was heard on 16 April, and promised it would keep neighbours updated.

"The site will see the delivery of 60 much-needed affordable homes alongside ecological improvements and employment opportunities for the local community," a spokesperson said.

"We will continue to engage with local residents as work commences over the coming weeks."

But some locals have been left dismayed by the plans.

They say the century-old green space behind Titford Road is home to badgers, foxes and many species of birds, but it has long been eyed up by developers.

Phil Shakespeare, a resolution officer who has led several successful campaigns to save the green space, said it represented the end of the road.

"I'm absolutely devastated," he said. "I feel sorry for the animals [and] I feel sorry for the residents, but more importantly I feel more sorry for the people who are going to buy these 60 homes."

Mr Shakespeare cited Sandwell Council's reasoning for rejecting the original plans saying fumes from nearby busy roads would affect people living in and around the new estate.

The fine pollution particles of concern, known as particulate matter or PM2.5, have been linked to cancer, heart disease, asthma and low birth weight.

Angela, a resource manager for a local high school, said she had previously lived in a noisy neighbourhood and the wildlife corridor was the main reason for buying her house.

She spoke alongside her 11-year-old daughter Ava who is also concerned about pollution and animals losing their homes.

"To be here less than a year and find out this is what they're going to do is heart-breaking," the 49-year-old said.

"It's affected our mental health already and [the building] has not even started yet."

Tess Pegg, 43, a local environmentalist, added: "They're going to rip it apart and build homes [but] it's already a home to badgers, squirrels and a number of birds.

"I don't understand why they've got the right to do that when we're in the middle of a climate panic across the entire planet."

Sandwell Council said it continued to acknowledge the concerns raised by local residents about this site.

But a spokesperson said: "The Planning Inspectorate is independent and its decision is final.

"We will work with the developers to ensure compliance with the conditions attached to the decision."

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