'May have development potential': 750-year-old woodland once owned by the lord of Dudley up for auction

An 11.5-acre area of ancient Black Country woodland is being offered for sale at auction, sparking fears that it could be targeted by builders.

Turls Hill Woods, which separates Sedgley from Coseley, will go under the hammer at Bond Wolfe’s auction on May 14.

Records for the woods, off Turls Hill Road in Coseley, date back to at least 1272, when it was farmed by John de Terhull, on behalf of the Lord of the Manor of Dudley.

The auctioneer says the site ‘may have development potential subject to obtaining the necessary planning consents’.

“The site may be suitable for a variety of uses,” it added.

“All interested parties must make their own inquiries with Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council, and satisfy themselves as to any use they may propose.”

The plans have sparked concerns among residents.

Suzi Knighton voice concerns that it could lead to a situation similar to that of ‘the Triangle’ in Kingswinford, where developer Barberry has expressed a wish to build 557 homes on green-belt land - sparking protests from thousands of residents.

Bob Freeman said: “It would be shame to lose even more woodland, there’s not much left in the area.

“I spent most of my childhood down there. It’s full of wildlife, hate to think what they would be destroying and killing off.”