2,000 sign petition against homes plan for Wolverhampton environment centre

In two weeks, at least 2,100 people across Wolverhampton have vowed to 'say no' to proposals to build 14 homes at the former Wolverhampton Environment Centre site in Tettenhall.

Supporters are now hoping Wolverhampton council will abandon the development on the land in Finchfield and preserve the area for the community.

Melissa Cook, who launched the online petition, said: "Housing will bring artificial lights, noise and air pollution, as well as traffic right into the middle of the local nature reserve - the only local nature reserve in Wolverhampton.

"The Railway Walk from Aldersley through the local nature reserve to Castlecroft and beyond is enjoyed by walkers, joggers and cyclists as well as dog-owners and parents with children.

"It is traffic-free, peaceful and the air is clean. It is an ideal environment for healthy exercise."

The land off Westacre Crescent currently boasts four large derelict glass houses, plant growing areas and a bungalow, which the council claim are 'not viable to bring back into use' and need to be demolished for housing.

The area earmarked for the collection of two, three and four-bedroom properties forms less than 10 per cent of the site, while the rest of the green space will be absorbed into the Smestow Valley Local Nature Reserve.

Proposals came after the council, which has agreed to the scheme in principal but is yet to submit a planning application, secured a £285,000 grant to transform the area into a managed nature reserve.

It will include car parking for walkers, self-managed allotments with parking spaces, woodland and pond management and a meadow, as well as new paths and entrances.

But supporters of the petition are unhappy with the proposals, which campaigners claim will increase traffic and pollution around the popular railway walk.

Resident Margaret Clark claimed the plans would 'destroy' the area, adding online: "There are hardly any places in Wolverhampton, where you can take children out, in safety, where they can run ahead and not get into danger.

"This really is the best place. Used so widely, with beautiful, peaceful countryside, away from the roads."

Supporter Judith Sanders added: "With mental health issues on the increase, we need our green spaces more than ever. There are plenty of brown field areas in the city that could be developed."

Deputy leader of the council Councillor Peter Bilson said: "The small mixed housing development will support local housing needs and will be designed sensitively to fit in with the surroundings.

"The vast majority of the land will be turned into a first class managed nature reserve for residents and the wider public to enjoy in line with the Tettenhall Neighbourhood Plan."

The five and a half mile South Staffs Railway Walk runs from Wolverhampton's Aldersley Stadium to Himley, then continues as the Kingswinford Railway walk to Pensnett Near Dudley, passing through Wombourne and Tettenhall, and running near Himley Hall. The route is road free as it runs along an old railway so crosses the roads via bridges.