Dudley residents fear rats and asbestos fumes from new housing estate

This is according to tenants on Planet Road in Brockmoor campaigning against a new housing estate planned for the builder’s yard next door.

As part of the plans, trees separating the builder’s yard on Wallows Road and the estate on Planet Road will be felled to make way for a new access road.

Residents say this could lead to disturbed rats from the building site invading their estate.

Eileen Boyman, who has lived on Planet Road for 48 years since the homes were built, said: “They bought the builder’s site on Wallows Road which would be all well and good if they just built their houses on the builder’s merchants land that they bought, but they want to break through onto Planet Road.

“This is a cul-de-sac and it’s a lovely little quiet street, but, they want to put an access road joining the development with Planet road. There’s an awful lot of rats over there, once they disturb them where are they going to go?”

The dismantling of the warehouse has also led to concerns that toxic fumes from the asbestos in the roof could be blown toward the estate. Residents also fear the felling of the trees currently dividing the two estates could increase noise pollution, increase the risk of flooding and reduce privacy.

Parking and traffic are also an issue as tenants say access to Planet Road can already be a nightmare. Mrs Boyman continued: “There are numerous very well-established trees in the green space and excessive tree removal can affect drainage and cause flooding. The wildlife habitat might also be disturbed and the trees also help diffuse the noise from the railway and the I41 main road.

“It’s going to affect the living conditions and quality of life significantly and it will cause a nuisance as well as the additional engine noise from the construction and toxic exhaust fumes. There are also several asbestos roofs that need removing which is a real worry and I hope they are able to do it professionally.

“We’re also going to be completely overlooked by the new estate. Previously, I could open my window and see lovely green trees whereas now I’ll be looking straight into someone’s window. ”

Councillor Judy Foster also shared residents' concerns. She said: “In support of my constituents, I wish to place on record my objection to the planning application. Whilst in principle I support the supply of additional affordable housing in the borough, I consider there are serious problems with this particular application which will have a significant impact on the quality of life of existing residents, especially those who live in Planet Road.”

But recommending the development for approval, a planning representative said: “The principle of the development on the site is considered to be acceptable. The design and layout, the impact upon residential amenities and highway safety are also acceptable.

“All properties are provided with policy-compliant parking, with all properties provided with two car parking spaces and the flats one space. It is not considered traffic and parking demand associated with residential use on this site would materially increase and the impact of new houses at this location on the surrounding highway network would be negligible.”