Housing plans for Wolverhampton Environment Centre set to get green light

Plans to build 14 homes at the former Wolverhampton Environment Centre site could move a step closer after the scheme was recommended for approval.

The proposals for the land in Finchfield sparked a campaign, with thousands pledging to 'say no’ to the development off Westacre Crescent and calling on Wolverhampton council to abandon its plans.

But the development is expected to be pushed forward when the council's planning committee meet on Tuesday.

Brenda Bates, secretary of Finchfield and Castlecroft Community Association, said members believed plans were a 'fair compromise'.

She said: "We feel that housing on the site of the present buildings is acceptable.

"It has never belonged to or been accessible to the public, it is derelict, is deteriorating by the day, is being broken into, vandalised, used for questionable activities.

"Local residents see it as a threatening place and no go area and have been seeking a resolution for the future of the site for years."

The area earmarked for the new 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.

Campaigners backing the petition had claimed the plans threatened to ruin the popular five and a half mile South Staffordshire Railway Walk, bringing an increase in traffic and pollution.

Melissa Cook, who lives in Westacre Crescent, objected to the plans and said: "An access road to the housing will cross the walk bringing traffic and pollution.

"This will also jeopardise the safety of walkers, joggers and cyclists as well as dog-owners and parents with children."

The council's scheme to create a nature reserve and allotments at the site have already been approved.

Councillors last year gave the go-ahead to the plans, which will see a green haven take over four large derelict glass houses, a bungalow and other buildings.

The move means 90 per cent of the site will be set aside for wildlife and will be opened up to the public as part of the adjoining Smestow Valley Local Nature Reserve.

Steven Vanstone, of Richmond Drive, added: "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. An access road to the housing will cross the walk bringing traffic and pollution."