Plans for nearly 100 homes submitted for former quarry site in village near Wolverhampton

The scheme proposed by housebuilder Taylor Wimpey would see residential properties built on a parcel of agricultural land off Pool House Road, Wombourne, which was previously part of the green belt and has been earmarked for development under the local plan.

But developers say waste materials potentially used to backfill a portion of the former quarry site, including asbestos, may pose a risk to future residents - and say further investigation may be required before work is started on the site.

According to the plans, 36 of the proposed 89 homes would be made available as affordable housing, with a further 53 available on the open market. Plans also include new public spaces and a children's play park.

Around 1,000 residents were invited to a consultation event held in July 2024, which identified local worries that the proposed scheme will detract from the ‘greenness’ and ‘village feel’ of Wombourne, although Taylor Wimpey say they have made changes to their proposals in response to the concerns.

"The site provides an opportunity to create a new living environment of the highest standard, which reflects the local vernacular and contextual surroundings. The proposals will deliver an attractive, locally distinguishable development that will extend the village of Wombourne," said a statement submitted with the proposals.

Develoipers say the design of the site factors in its edge of village location and is "suitable to its setting" including a "softer edge" to the countryside to the north and the inclusion of public open space and green space in the northern part of the area.

However, further site investigation may be required after a desk study of the area found part of the site may be contaminated with potentially hazardous materials.

"The work identified that the site was historically part of a sand and gravel quarry which extended across the northern and eastern parts of the site,and which was backfilled potentially with waste materials," the statement added. 

"An historical landfill also encroaches on a small area in the north western part of the site. Potential contamination of the site may therefore include general contaminants including metals, semi-metals, organics, inorganics and asbestos."

A subsequent detailed ground investigation concluded that additional site investigation work should be undertaken prior to the commencement of development work, which the developers have suggested be controlled by planning conditions.

South Staffordshire District Council will decide on the scheme in due course, with the statory consulation period due to end in early February.