THE last remaining parcel of ancient meadowland in Amblecote is now safe from the threat of housing - with the "terrific news" welcomed the by campaigners and Suzanne Webb MP.

Developer Persimmon has not appealed a decision by Dudley Council to refuse permission to build on the meadow and its sale contract has expired.

The owner Dudley NHS Trust has now said Corbett Meadow is no longer surplus and its designation of agricultural land remains.

The Trust is currently considering the future use of the land and the issue will be discussed at a board meeting.

Lance Cartwright, Save the Corbett Meadow Action Group spokesperson, said: “It is a great day for the people of Stourbridge.

"It honours John Corbett's legacy to the people of Stourbridge to whom he bequeathed the land many years ago.

"The decision reflects the huge support we received with over 1,000 supporters and especially for those 400 people who submitted letters of objection.”

Stourbridge MP Suzanne Webb said: “This is terrific news for all those who have opposed losing Corbett Meadow to housing for so long.

“The financial importance of this site to the Dudley NHS Trust versus developing it, was always a tough call, that is why it was so important to let the process run its course.

“But as many of you know, I always believed this green space should be protected. The policy must always be brownfield first. “I would like to thank Save the Corbett Meadow Action Group, residents and of course the excellent local Amblecote councillors Paul Bradley, Kamran Razzaq and Pete Lee for their commitment to protect the land.

“Thank you also to the council and the trust for their pragmatism during this process, in particular the chief executive of Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, Diane Wake, for her transparency throughout the process.”