CONTROVERSIAL plans to create a new access route and 15 extra parking spaces at an Oldswinford sports field have been put on hold while councillors carry out a site visit.

King Edward VI College has applied to create a second entrance, access road and additional parking spaces at The Green Fields off the Oakleigh Road side of the site - to be used as well as the existing entrance off Swinford Road.

But 460 residents signed a petition calling on trustees of the college to rethink or ditch the scheme, which they say would generate further traffic and parking problems near a dangerous bend as well as impacting on wildlife and people's privacy.

Stourbridge News:

The plan has been recommended for approval by Dudley planners who have dismissed their concerns - and David Burrows, vice-chairman of the trustees of the college, told Tuesday's development control committee meeting that King Edward's had submitted the plan to "try and alleviate traffic problems in Swinford Road".

A decision on the application was deferred, however, after councillors suggested a site visit should be carried out first.

Councillor Bryan Cotterill said he was "very concerned" about the wildlife and conservation aspects of the scheme and the requirement for two trees to be chopped down in an area where there is a tree preservation order - and he said adding an extra 15 parking spaces when up to 130 cars have been known to park on pavements during football matches would not solve the issue and was "like taking a sledgehammer to crack a walnut".

Councillor Paul Bradley added: "I don't think 15 spaces is anywhere near enough. I'm not very happy with this item."

Councillors Casey and Westwood, however, said 15 spaces would be better than none - but committee chairman Jackie Cowell adjourned the matter to allow councillors to see the site for themselves before making a decision.

The temporary stay of execution was met with relief by members of the Oakleigh Road, Love Lane, Cobham Road Action Committee.

Spokesman Bob Zglinski said: "Hundreds of local residents have expressed real concerns about the impact of this proposal.

"It is not just another NIMBY objection without real substance. Public outcry and a recent petition with 460 objectors proves this."

Stourbridge News: