Plan to build new homes off White Hill, Kinver, is approved

South Staffordshire district councillors have given the green light to a proposal to build on an untouched parcel of farmland off White Hill, which was designated for housing as part of the council's recently adopted Site Allocations Document.

More than 100 objections were submitted opposing the proposal for up to 40 new homes, submitted by Trebor Developments, but councillors voted 24-1 in favour of the outline application at Tuesday's planning meeting.

Mark Wright, of Trebor Developments, said afterwards: “We are delighted with the committee decision. It’s a testament to the amount of work invested in the project to ensure that all aspects have been supported by the various authorities and meet the necessary tests.

“We will be seeking to select a housebuilder partner that is committed to delivering the high-quality scheme that we, and our landowner partners, wish to see.

"We anticipate detailed plans being submitted for approval later this year, within the context of the outline permission for up to 40 new homes.

“Whilst not everyone favoured our plans, there’s been lots of interest from local residents interested in new properties, from affordable and starter units, through to smaller family housing and bungalows.

"We find this very encouraging and look forward to progressing this new development to meet the identified high level of need for new homes.”

Trebor Developments say the scheme will contribute towards the need for new housing in the area and the development will integrate well with the village and respect key views towards Kinver Edge which overlooks the site.

Villagers living nearby fear development of the site will lead to traffic chaos around the nearby Potters Cross junction.

They also raised concerns that building on the site would have a detrimental effect on wildlife, existing facilities in the village and the nearby National Trust owned Kinver Rock Houses heritage site; and village stalwart Charlie Sadler said after the meeting that he felt it had been an "appalling decision" to approve the plan.

South Staffordshire MP Gavin Williamson was among those who raised concerns about development of the site which he has said would have a "lasting impact on the village".

Councillor Lin Hingley, vice-chairman of the council and a member of the planning committee, also expressed concerns about the plan which locals fear could now pave the way for an even larger new development of up to 144 new homes on neighbouring land.

The only member of the planning committee to give the thumbs down to the scheme, she said afterwards: " It's very sad. We've been fighting it for about three years. It's the last of our medieval meadows. We haven't got anymore in Kinver like that, and it's the last open view right to the Edge.

Land off White Hill, pictured in 2017.

"The family that used to farm it always said it hadn't been ploughed for 1,000 years.

"It's beautiful. The flora and fauna there is absolutely fantastic and it encourages butterflies, bees, swallows and swifts.

"I'm disappointed but we did our best. It'll be a sad day for Kinver when it happens."

White Hill resident David Hudson said on behalf of Kinver Green Belt Action Group, which had campaigned to try to stop the development: "It is fair to say we are all in total shock at the decision by South Staffordshire Council to approve the building of 38 houses on green fields.

"Only one district councillor had the courage to speak up and oppose the application.

"Once again we in Kinver have been sold out by councillors who do not live in Kinver.

"Clearly the planning committee members, Lin Hingley excepted, had not understood the dire consequences of approving the application. Even though the chairman stated the application was only for 38 houses we all know there is a bigger intention of building on adjoining safeguarded land to the south and north of White Hill in the ownership of Enville Estate."