RESIDENTS in Pedmore have been on tenterhooks over council plans to fell trees on the edge of a green belt site that's under threat from developers.

With just a week to go before the Draft Black Country Plan is published listing sites that could accommodate future housing developments - residents in the area have been understandably nervous as a number of green fields and open spaces in Pedmore have been submitted in a Call for Sites as potential locations for new homes.

One of the sites listed is a horse paddock in Bromwich Lane.

Residents living in and around the lane have already been bracing themselves for a possible fight to save the field from development - and when they noticed a road closure order had been issued by highway chiefs for the felling of 26 trees they feared the worst.

Campaign groups and individuals took to Facebook to highlight the impending loss of trees and habitat in the lane which they fear could make it easier for a developer to get their hands on the site.

Concerned resident Miles Alden said: "The neighbourhood is furious that no consultation has been given to any property owners in Bromwich Lane.

"There is great concern that any reduction in this ancient hedgerow will benefit a potential developer because of the reduction of species within the hedgerow will reduce its status."

Council chiefs, however, have said the work has been authorised due to the poor condition of some of the trees - some of which are reportedly dead.

Councillor Karen Shakespeare, Dudley Council's cabinet member for public realm, said: “Following a recent inspection, 19 trees in the area were found to be dead or in poor condition and need to be felled.

“We are also carrying out important remedial works to conserve seven other trees in the area.

“Contractors will carry out a full inspection for nesting birds prior to the works.”

Newly-elected councillor James Clinton said he had been down to the site to talk to residents and he accepts "these trees are not in a healthy condition and something has to be done" and he said he had asked a representative from the council's green care team to attend when contractors are due to carry out the work next week.

Meanwhile, members of the Keep Pedmore Green action group have said they will be keeping a close eye on the work to "ensure any tree removals will be kept to the minimum necessary and that healthy trees are saved".

The felling is due to take place from Wednesday June 23 until Friday June 25 and it will see the lane temporarily closed to traffic between Redlake Drive and Ferndale Park.

A diversion will be in place to direct motorists along Bromwich Lane, Hagley Road, Redlake Road, Redlake Drive, and vice versa, but access to properties and for emergency services will be maintained where safe.