Protesters win battle over new housing estate on Longlands campus
Protesters have won their battle to stop 59 houses being built on a former school.
Residents sitting in the public gallery cheered as Dudley Council’s planning committee voted to reject the scheme involving the former Longlands campus of Stourbridge College.
Welcoming the decision, ward councillor Nicolas Barlow said: “This was the right thing to do.”
The plan had sparked almost 200 letters of complaint after Persimmon Homes went public with their intentions.
Campaigners against the scheme listed a catalogue of objections – with over-development and potential traffic problems top of the list.
Site owners Birmingham Metropolitan College have been trying to sell the site in Bowling Green Road since 2015, saying they no longer need it.
Persimmon’s plan, which includes a disused playing field in the Old Quarter adjoining the school site, was for 37 three-bedroom houses, 11 four-bedroom, five two-bedroom, two one-bedroom houses and four two-bedroom bungalows.
The derelict school has become the target of vandalism over the years and most residents would be happy to see it demolished but argued the house builder’s plan featured too many homes, which would put pressure on surrounding roads, schools and GPs.
Resident Cat Eccles, 35, said: “We 100 per cent agree that the land should be developed but not at this density.”
The plans had been earmarked for approval by planning officers but were rejected by the council’s planning committee on Tuesday night on the grounds of loss of character and amenity.
Councillor Barlow has predicted Persimmon will appeal the decision, saying: “I have no doubt it will go to appeal and if it does the developer will find they have a fight on their hands.”
