RESIDENTS are to seek answers over alleged ‘anomalies’ after a controversial proposal to build eight houses on a former Brierley Hill workshop was given the go-ahead.

Opponents to plans to build the homes on the disused haulage yard off Cygnet Lane in Pensnett said they were concerned issues they raised such as inadequate traffic access, potential damage to their nearby properties and the loss of green space and wildlife had not been addressed thoroughly.

Resident Jim Rowley and ward councillor Judy Foster said they will now meet with planning officers next week before considering their options.

Dudley Council’s development control committee approved the plan at a meeting on Wednesday (October 9).

In a report to members, planners said the proposals would provide a high quality development making a positive contribution to the area.

Applications for an eight house and separate two house developments on the site were previously refused in 2015 but then granted on appeal.

Eclipse Architecture, representing the applicants, said work had started on the two houses. The time limit on starting the eight-home work lapsed in 2018, prompting this fresh application.

But Mr Rowley, who is project manager for a construction company and whose home backs on to the site, said there were many ‘anomalies’ in the application that hadn’t been addressed at the committee meeting.

Mr Rowley said: “I’m deeply disappointed by the committee decision but not surprised given the feedback they were given.

“I felt there were a number of anomalies when questions were answered over issues such as asbestos, potential damage to our homes, access and the impact on traffic.

“Access is the biggest issue for us. They appear to have only looked at access and traffic on the site itself and not the impact on surrounding roads, which I find extraordinary.

“This is a 20-year-old argument for us. Previously, the council said that land was not suitable or viable but now, suddenly, it is deemed perfect for a development.

“I have worked on £60 million construction projects so I’m fully aware of what is required to make a scheme financially viable and I can’t see how this is.”

Councillor Foster added: “We are meeting officers next week and these questions need to be answered.

“This is not about residents being against development and just not wanting it in their area. This is about long term damage to the whole area, including loss of our green space and wildlife.

“Councils look to ensure development happens, as directed by Government, and then you have the might of developers. Residents are up against a mighty machine and have very limited opportunity to voice objections.”

The report to committee said: “The development would provide new housing to help meet the boroughs demand for new homes, and the proposed type and tenure’ layout and design are appropriate for the area and can be accommodated without any significant adverse impact on existing residents, trees and ecology, or the local highway network.

“The proposals would provide a high quality development, which is considered would make a positive contribution to the area and which constitutes sustainable development.”