Furious villagers march against controversial housing estate (From Bromsgrove Advertiser)
Get involved! Send your photos, video, news & views by texting BA NEWS to 80360 or e-mail us
Furious villagers march against controversial housing estate
8:00am Wednesday 26th September 2012 in News
Outrage: Furious Hagley villagers stormed Lord Cobham’s estate as part of a protest against plans for a controversial new housing estate in the village.
MORE than 500 furious villagers stormed Lord Cobham's estate to protest against plans for a controversial new housing estate in Hagley.
Protesters of all ages joined the march on Hagley Hall on Saturday, (September 22), to show their anger towards the proposal to build houses on land previously owned by the peer, who is believed to be away in Norway.
Developer Cala Homes are behind the application to build 175 houses between Stourbridge Road and Kidderminster Road.
The crowd, holding banners and placards, booed and blew whistles then shouted “Down with the Cobhams” as they marched from Hagley Community Centre to the hall.
But on reaching the hall campaigners weren’t able to deliver a letter to the peer as originally intended.
Campaigner Fran Evans said: “We could not believe the turn out.
“People are outraged and this march showed the strength of feeling.
“How can one person (Lord Cobham) have the right to change the lives of so many?
“Bromsgrove District Council has neglected its duty towards residents; it is up to them to protect vulnerable villages from coming under target.
“People are saying if this development is allowed, they will move from Hagley.”
Residents are opposing the development on a number of grounds.
Among them is the safety concerns for village youngsters, due to more cars on the road, pollution, and the pressure on class numbers at local schools.
Fran added: “My child already has 32 in his class - teachers could have even bigger classes.”
More than 2,000 people have signed a petition against the plans, and written letters to Bromsgrove councillors urging them to refuse the application when it comes before them.
Cala Homes managing director Darren Humphreys said they had listened to the concerns of residents, and argues the development would provide significant benefits for the village.
Lord Cobham has previously said he is not surprised by opposition to a development on the land, but argues he has to find ways to fund his estate.
Comments(4)
carolynw1946
says...
11:44am Wed 26 Sep 12
These particular plans are the tip of the iceberg. there are plans in the pipeline to build over 300 houses and unrequired offices on this, and adjacent land. 39 houses are already being constructed on adjacent land. Hagley has expanded by 12% over the last few years and has fulfilled its obligation to house building in Bromsgrove.
Hagley schools are over subscribed the primary school has nearly 700 pupils and the two High schools have 2500 pupils that is 3200 pupils being educated in the village every day which causes intolerable traffic problems. New residents already cannot get their children school places and many are taxied daily to other schools, often for years, at tax payers expense. Gallows Brook (classified as a river) runs through this land and on occasions during heavy rain, floods gardens and properties downstream, including mine
If these plans are passed by Bromsgrove District Council, I shall hold them wholly responsible should my property flood in future due to this delelopment. Where Gallows Brook goes under the A456 ie the junction with Kidderminster Road,, Worcester Road, and Western Road, this area often floods also, causing severe traffic problems and accidents.
It is not a matter of 'not in my back yard', everywhere eventually gets to saturtion point , and Hagley has reached that point.
desmodave
says...
12:19pm Wed 26 Sep 12
Hagley house prices are inflated by the proximity of the high achieving secondary schools so it's interesting to note that many people would wish to leave, should this development be successful.
It is good to see consideration for the need for affordable housing. These issues tend to be lost in the noise of the debate.
No to CALA
says...
9:40pm Wed 26 Sep 12
House prices in all Haybridge catchment villages are inflated, people stretch themselves to provide a good education for their children, and they work hard to do it.
Lord Cobham needs a new roof, so he's going to elbow everyone out of the way to get his millions in development through. Stuff the rest of you. Shame you'll lose 50k off your house value. Forget your children's Haybridge education, you'll be in Halesowen or Bromsgrove or Kidderminster. You could live next door to Hagley Hall and still not be in catchment anymore. How ironic.
DAVID1875 says...
9:13am Wed 26 Sep 12