Express & Star

Campaigners win battle to halt proposals for new homes on Bilston playing fields

Treasured playing fields in Bilston will not be built on following huge opposition from residents, Wolverhampton council has confirmed.

Published

The authority wants to build 40 homes on the former Bilston Leisure Centre site and was considering a further 40 on an adjacent field.

But the playing fields plans sparked huge opposition culminating in a 700-strong protest on Saturday.

The council's Strategic Director for Housing, Lesley Roberts, said: "I want to assure local residents, and make it absolutely clear, we will not be building on the open space adjacent to the land of the former Bilston Leisure Centre - and it will remain as a playing field.

Land off Prouds Lane

"Officers have assessed the land and significant concerns were raised about the viability of the site.

"We also understand the importance of this space to local people, recognise the strength of local feeling, and will be looking at ways to incorporate it into the city's wider open space plans so it continues to be there for the benefit of local people and future generations."

The council is set to push ahead with its plans for the leisure centre site, for which a planning application has been submitted.

Wolverhampton South East MP Pat McFadden said: "This is a great tribute to the efforts of local residents who have campaigned hard to stop any development on the playing field."

Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.