THE Save Kinver Greenbelt action group is launching a campaign to gather support for its fight to preserve the green belt in Kinver and the surrounding areas.

Members of the action group are working to highlight the threat to the green belt from housing developments proposed for South Staffordshire by private developers.

The 'Don’t Concrete Kinver' campaign aims to spread the word and engage with residents and bring volunteers on board ahead of preferred development sites being identified as part of the Local Plan review.

Save Kinver Greenbelt member Dave Marsh said: “We started this journey just a year ago in response to the increasing number of new homes being built on greenfield sites around the village and our group has been growing ever since.

“There are over 700 more new homes proposed in the site allocation document which has already been published by the district council. We need to take action to fight this destruction of our rural environment before it is too late. A public consultation is to take place in the autumn.

"However, we are concerned this will simply be a rubber-stamping exercise by the district council. By the end of next year, the proposals are set to be approved by central government and by then it will be too late. We need to act now.”

Group members have stressed they understand the requirement for affordable housing and say they are supportive of new housing that addresses local needs but the group opposes loss of the green belt and development that puts profits over people and places unsustainable demands on the facilities and infrastructure of the village.

Dave added: “We want to hear from Kinver residents with their views; we need their input for our action plan, and we ask them to get involved with our campaign. This is a call to join our growing band of volunteers and help us preserve the beautiful environment that we are lucky enough to enjoy, for future generations.

"It is most definitely not a 'done deal' or a 'lost cause'. Numerous campaign groups around England have successfully taken on their councils and won."

Land can be released from the green belt for development through the Local Plan review process and future housing sites will be identified at the Preferred Options stage of consultation, which is scheduled for this summer.

Two additional stages of plan making will follow the Preferred Options stage and South Staffordshire District Council will submit the final Local Plan to the Planning Inspectorate and it will be subject to formal examination by an independent inspector.

The Secretary of State can intervene - particularly if requested by a Member of Parliament with a legitimate interest.

Anyone interested in getting involved or finding out more about the campaign can check out savekinvergreenbelt.co.uk or email contactus@savekinvergreenbelt.co.uk.