CAMPAIGNERS fighting plans for hundreds of new homes on land in Burntwood say they have been “overwhelmed” by the support of local residents.
Burntwood Action Group saw hundreds attend a public meeting over proposals to build on land at Coulter Lane.
Bloor Homes is eyeing up to 300 new properties on the site as well as open spaces, community orchards, allotments, play areas and a “community hub”. Land would also be set aside for potential expansion of Fulfen Primary School in future.
But Burntwood Action Group said the meeting and response from local people had shown the strength of feeling against the proposals.
A spokesperson said:
“Following our recent extremely well-attended public meeting at Burntwood Institute, we’ve been overwhelmed by the incredible support from local residents.
“Many have offered to get involved by attending committee meetings, delivering leaflets, helping with printing and even providing drone footage.
“Every single offer of help is a powerful reflection of how strongly our community feels about the proposed housing development.
“The message is clear – Burntwood does not want this and together, we will fight it.”
The group have received backing from local councillors, including county representatives Andrew Clissett and Janet Higgins and Burntwood Town Council leader Darren Ennis.
The Burntwood Action Group spokesperson added:
“Their backing sends a strong message that this development – one that threatens to overwhelm our local roads and infrastructure – must be stopped.
“Together, we can protect Burntwood’s green spaces.”
The Burntwood Institute was completely full for the Burntwood Action Group (BAG) meeting, with hundreds of people unfortunately turned away. The queue stretched across the car park and down Rugeley Road, highlighting the significant local interest against the proposed development. BAG (hopefully) apologised to everyone who couldn’t get in.
BAG wants to make it clear that they are not opposed to new homes in Burntwood. However, the resounding message from the night was that this particular development is happening at the wrong time and in the wrong place. More details about the “wrong time, wrong place” campaign will be shared over the coming weeks on Facebook and on the website.
Could do with them in Lichfield.
There were plenty of people at Burntwood Institute yesterday too to view the plans for the proposed development. Clearly, people feel strongly about this site – and with good reason.
Burntwood doesn’t have the kind of heritage town centre of somewhere like Lichfield. We don’t have much of note at either Burntwood Island or Sankey’s Corner. But we do have the picturesque charm and history associated with the area around Christ Church, as evidenced by the blue plaques there and even Prince’s Park, which has claims to be the UK’s smallest park. The green belt setting is key to the character of Burntwood and should be protected.
This may just be an ‘infill site’ to Bloor Homes, but it is a lot more to those of us who actually call Burntwood home.