Bilston playing fields campaigners speak of joy at homes plan axe

The proposed development, which would have seen 40 houses put up on the Prouds Lane playing field in Bilston, has been rejected by Wolverhampton Council following a huge public outcry.

The authority wanted to build 40 homes on the field next to a Scout hut in addition to a further 40 properties on the former Bilston Leisure Centre site, which is next to it.

A 200-strong crowd met last weekend to protest against the plans, and residents and campaigners received hand-delivered letters from the council on Tuesday saying the development would not be going ahead.

James Comer, aged 31, of nearby Nightingale Place, said: "It is a real victory of the people. It's great to know that we have managed to save the site but already we're looking at the next step to secure it."

Campaigners are now hoping to get the field marked as an Asset of Community Value, meaning that developers would be subject to more rigorous planning requirements if they asked to build there.

"Once we have made the site more secure, we'll be having talks on how to bring the field back to life and run events on there like there used to be," added Mr Comer.

Campaigners first came together to protect the field on social media, with a Facebook group quickly attracting almost 700 members. Mr Comer said: "I can't believe how much support we got for the campaign.

"In the two weeks after we set up the group, we had about 700 members and when we had our first meeting in the Scout hut on the field, 200 people turned up. People really care about this site and that's why we've managed to save it."

The letter from the council saw its strategic director for housing, Lesley Roberts, say: "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.

"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."

Posting the letter on the Facebook group's page, campaigners shared their joy at the news.

Danielle Fergusson said: "I am glad we won the protest on the field. It shows if we stick together we can do it."

Another campaigner, Jo Boydon, said "Definitely community spirit at it's best!"