Controversial Stourbridge sports ground car park plan thrown out

The proposal for the King Edward VI playing fields in Oldswinford had looked set to go ahead after being backed by planning officers, but was turned down by councillors who were not satisfied with the plans.

The scheme put forward by trustees of the King Edward VI College would have seen 15 new parking spaces created to serve its playing fields.

But it led to a backlash from residents who feared vehicles pulling onto and leaving the car park on Oakleigh Road, near the junction with Love Lane, could create a hazard on what they believe is already a dangerous junction.

A total of 534 people signed a petition against the proposals while 70 letters of objection were also lodged with the council.

They claimed there have been a number of near misses on the road and claim drivers regularly travel above the 30mph speed limit.

Concerns were also raised about the potential for an increase in on-street parking.

After taking advice from highways experts, planning officers at Dudley Council ruled the creation of the car park would not impact on road safety and suggested members of the planning committee should allow the scheme to go ahead.

But councillors disagreed and unanimously voted to reject the proposals during a meeting at the council house.

Councillor Paul Bradley, who sits on the committee, said allowing the plan to go ahead would have been 'unfair' on residents.

He said: "We had a site visit, which always tells us more than looking at the plans on a screen, and we could see the geography of it.

"If the car park was on that side of the playing fields all the cars would end up over there on Oakleigh Road and Love Lane.

"It was only 15 spaces so it would have filled up quite quickly. Lots of cars would end up parking on the road. It would have been detrimental. I thought it was ill thought out.

"There needs to be better consultation with residents and hopefully they can come up with a better idea."

Stourbridge councillor Heather Rogers believes the proposed access point would have been dangerous and said the decision was 'common sense'.

She said she hoped residents and trustees could reach an agreement over the fields and believes it would be more suitable to create an entrance on Swinford Road and create parking spaces by moving the football pitches.

Councillor Rogers said: "The access from Oakleigh Road would have been extremely dangerous, it was a very dangerous bend.

"The issue can be resolved if the trustees and residents get together and have a chat about it."