RESIDENTS in Stourbridge’s Old Quarter are invited to a meeting on Thursday January 31 about plans for the old Longlands School site.

Stourbridge Community Development Trust has called the meeting which will be held in the Wollaston Room at Stourbridge Town Hall from 7pm to 10pm.

Eddy Morton, from the trust which was formed to take a holistic approach to tackling community issues including housing, homelessness, mental health and the local economy, is inviting residents to discuss how they can influence development of the site going forwards.

A plan to build 59 homes on the old school site, which is owned by Birmingham Metropolitan College, was thrown out by Dudley Council’s planning committee earlier this month after strong objections over the density of the scheme were raised.

But developers Persimmon Homes have today confirmed they plan to appeal.

Mr Morton, however, said: “We feel continuing to engage with the local community about alternative proposals and how we maintain pressure upon the council regarding this issue is extremely important.”

He said the trust would put forward its case for use of the site and he is urging other interested parties to join the trust in support or to “provide alternative visions of what could be achieved”.

He added: “Clearly this will take time and involve negotiations with BMet, the council and possibly Greenfield Primary School but we believe a way forward can be found that satisfies the demands of all interested parties and we see this meeting as part of that process. We are hopeful representatives of all interested parties will attend and take part in a genuine conversion and exchange of ideas.”

A representative from Persimmon Homes is expected to attend the meeting and Stephen Cleveley, director-in-charge of Persimmon Homes West Midlands, said: “We were disappointed with the decision and have been reviewing the reasons relating to the refusal. In light of that, we have now submitted an appeal.

“We are committed to developing the site and, with that in mind, have meetings planned with the local authority, together with further public consultation to try to find a way forward.”

To find out more about Stourbridge Community Development Trust click here.