ARTIST impressions show how developers want to transform the last remaining parcel of untouched land in Amblecote into a new housing estate and public park.
Charles Church, part of Persimmon, has drawn up extensive plans for the Amblecote Meadow site off Vicarage Road which campaigners have been fighting preserve in its natural state for future generations.
The land was gifted to the people of Stourbridge by benefactor John Corbett who bought and donated the Hill Estate in 1892 for the creation of a public hospital which eventually became part of the NHS in 1948.
The Corbett Meadow Action Group has been working for the last few years to conserve the remaining ancient meadowland that was part of the estate.
In the last week, however, developer Charles Church has gone public with ambitious plans for the site behind Corbett Outpatients Centre.
The company has outlined a proposal to build 90 new homes and create a new public park – with funds raised from the sale of the land, owned by the Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, to be ploughed back into local NHS services.
Dudley Group chief executive Diane Wake has said the trust is required to dispose of any surplus assets and reinvest funds into patient care to make the best use of resources.
A spokesperson for Charles Church said of the scheme: “Our plans will deliver both new housing for local people and unlock funding for local NHS services. Amongst the 90 much-needed new homes, a proportion will be ring-fenced for local people and key NHS staff.
“Approximately half of the land will be turned into a public park for the people of Stourbridge, with a wide array of new wildlife habitats.
“In addition, our development will bring significant investment into the community whilst also providing jobs (including apprenticeships), throughout the life cycle of the construction.
“We want to hear from the people of Stourbridge and urge them to take part in our consultation on the proposed plans. Our consultation will be running until the end of May.”
People can find out more about the proposed Amblecote Grange development online at https://amblecotegrange.com.
The public park would include ponds, an orchard and children’s play area.
On their website, the developers say: “We recognise residents are concerned about the loss of the grazed field.
“We have drawn up a plan to help alleviate residents’ concerns and have ensured the plans include a new large park that will be accessible to the public for the very first time.”
The park would be next to Harleston Close, Milton Close, Elgin Close, Withymoor Road, Queens Crescent and John Corbett Drive, with new entrances created to open it up to residents.
Homes on the site would be a mix of family properties with gardens and parking and smaller properties for younger people and downsizing older homeowners.
The developers say new wildlife habitats would be created as well as bat boxes, bug hotels, hedgehog habitats and improved aquatic habitats at the ponds.
Lance Cartwright, of the Corbett Meadow Action Group, however, has urged people to be mindful that “when it’s gone, it’s gone forever” before backing the scheme that would urbanise what is currently an untouched oasis for local wildlife.
Anyone with questions about the proposal can call Dan Watts on 020 4538 7200 or email dan@theccp.net.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel