Council Leader Dismisses 330-Home Green Belt Proposal in Kingswinford
The leader of Dudley Council has firmly rejected an outline planning application for 330 homes on green belt land in Kingswinford, accusing the developer of 'trying their luck' with the proposal. Housebuilding giant Persimmon Homes submitted the application for a new estate on land off Holbeache Lane, east of the A449 and adjacent to the historic Holbeache House.
Application Details and Council Response
The application seeks to re-designate the 41.25-hectare agricultural field as grey belt, arguing it has been developed and does not significantly contribute to green belt objectives like preventing urban sprawl. However, Councillor Patrick Harley, who represents the Kingswinford South ward and leads the council, stated the scheme will not proceed.
Cllr Harley emphasized that the site is currently green belt and, more critically, is not included in the council's local plan, which is about to be adopted. He said, 'The developer is trying their luck. However the site is currently green belt and more importantly is not on the list of sites in our local plan that is about to be adopted.'
Local Plan and Inspector's Approval
Dudley's new local plan has undergone rigorous examination by a planning inspector, who heard arguments from developers claiming the council's policy against building on green belt was unsound. Cllr Harley added, 'The inspector agrees with our stance on the green belt and has agreed our plan with no green belt is a sound and deliverable plan.' This endorsement strengthens the council's position in rejecting the application.
Development Proposal and Design
The outline application from Persimmon Homes does not include detailed designs but proposes typically two-storey homes. A design statement from the company outlined that the development would offer:
- A broad range of dwelling types, from market to affordable housing
- Homes suitable for first-time buyers to larger family units
- An attractive network of connected streets and green spaces
- Character streets to create variety and identity within the layout
Despite these plans, the council's firm stance on protecting green belt land means the application faces significant hurdles. The rejection highlights ongoing tensions between development needs and environmental conservation in the Midlands region.
