Plans to build more homes on new estate in Cradley Heath hit by huge landslides
A developer plans to build more homes on a new estate in Cradley Heath that has been ‘cut off’ due to landslides.
Dunedin Homes, the developer behind the 53-home estate off Halesowen Road in Cradley Heath, wants to add six new houses to the development on a patch of land previously used as a storage yard and haul road during construction.
The estate, which was completed in 2020, has been plagued by issues including several landslides that left a huge mound of earth blocking the road and cutting off a dozen homes.
The three-and-four-bed homes would be built on a new cul-de-sac around 150 metres away from Haden Cross Drive where landslides spilled over a retaining wall and blocked the road.
The new homes would be accessed via Farmhouse Close on the edge of the estate. A number of trees would also be cut down to make way.
A tree survey included with the application said five ‘very poor quality’ ash trees would be chopped down.
Dozens were cut down several years ago when the main estate was being built.
In its application, Dunedin Homes argues against the nearby Haden Cross woods being designated ‘ancient woodland’ by Sandwell Council.
The subsidence in nearby Haden Cross Drive was first seen 18 months ago when a tree fell in the nearby woods.
Heavy rain and bad weather throughout the year came to a head in the run up to Christmas with a huge mound of earth leaving the road completely blocked.
The tonnes of soil left the cul-de-sac ‘cut off’ and homeowners without access to their driveways.
A statement included with the application said: “The site is in a sustainable location and relates well to the wider context to the site and has been designed with the aim of creating a vibrant and inclusive community.
“The proposal creates a high-quality residential development, set within an attractive open space setting, that will deliver high quality place-making whilst providing much needed new homes.”
