Residents Voice Strong Opposition to 850-Home Plan
Residents in Great Barr are strongly opposing plans for an 850-home development on green belt land within the Great Barr Conservation Area. The site off Queslett Road, bound by Aldridge Road, Queslett Road and Doe Bank Lane, spans 42 hectares of green belt.
Developer IM Land and Walton Homes submitted outline plans last month to transform the land into a new estate. The proposal includes a primary school, two community hubs, allotments and a community orchard. However, hundreds of comments were received during consultation, with residents raising concerns about green belt loss, traffic congestion and infrastructure pressure.
Historic Farm Owner Calls Plans 'A Disgrace'
Gary Walter, owner of the Grade II Listed Doe Bank Farmhouse next to the site, said: "It's a disgrace. Green belt is green belt and it's there for a reason." Ninety-one-year-old Pauline Tonks described the plans as "ridiculous", while neighbour Nisha Balu said wildlife including deer would be lost. Pauline Williams, 75, added: "It's so sad we're going to see houses poking up."
Political Context and Planning Status
The controversy comes as Labour's housing minister Steve Reed has told developers to 'build, baby, build' despite previously criticising the loss of countryside. Reed has not responded to questions about his change of position. Despite being in green belt and conservation area, the site has been allocated for housing in Walsall Council's draft Local Plan. Councillor Nicky Barker said the application will be considered through normal planning processes. IM Land and Homes said the site has been identified as suitable for development in planning documents.
