Fresh hope as homes for Smethwick woodland stalled

Campaigners lost their battle to block development on the Thimblemill Recreation Ground in May when an independent planning inspector overturned Sandwell Council's decision to refuse the plans.

More than 1,000 people had signed a petition opposing Selbourne Homes' proposals to build 13 three and four-bedroom homes.

And this week a notice appeared online, written by Rec Chairman Ray Gibbs, stating the sale of the land has been slower than expected due to the continued presence of Japanese Knotweed – one of the most common invasive, non-native plants in the UK.

The notice states: "As the prospective developer is now considering selling the land on rather than developing it, they of course need to establish the exact status and extent of the problem."

The letter was posted on Tuesday to the 'Bearwood Blog', a website run by Sandwell councillors representing the Abbey ward, and on a notice board at the Rec.

Councillor Steve Eling, the authority's deputy leader who also represents the Abbey ward, said it could signal the end of the homes plan.

"The developers have got planning permission after the council's decision was overturned by the planning inspector, but it looks like they have lost interest or they are not intending to proceed," he said. "Whether they will look to sell on the site I do not know. Maybe the site is turning out more difficult to develop on than they originally anticipated."

Previously councillor Eling said he felt the process of 'faceless civil servants' being able to overrule elected councillors was 'obscene'.

He added: "People would be happy if this land was not developed on. People were horrified when the planning inspector felt he could trample all over the voice of local residents with no accountability. People were fed up about that.

"It remains the case that planning permission is there but it is looking like the developer has got cold feet on it."

Members of the council's planning committee originally refused the application after taking the arguments of residents on board, which included concerns about proposed access.

Ward Councillor Richard Marshall, who led the protest, said the presence of Japanese Knotweed was fantastic news which could prevent any future development.

He added: "This is the last piece of woodland which isn't walked across by man as it is on private property and so overgrown.

"It is just natural woodland, the only bit in the whole of Smethwick."

Selbourne Homes and Thimblemill Recreation Ground were unavailable for comment.