We’re Fighting to the last – that's the attitude of local Councillors, MP Andrew Mitchell, and residents when it comes defending our valuable green belt against Birmingham City Councils plans to bulldoze it.
Throughout the long battle against plans to build approximately 6000 houses and an industrial estate, local residents groups such as the long established Walmley Residents Association and well organised pressure group Project Fields have continually questioned the motives, logic, legality and sustainability issues associated with such a huge development. Walks across the fields, attended by hundreds of residents and numerous protest meetings have highlighted the sheer scale of the proposed development – an area that is bigger than many villages and even some towns!
During the first consultation period the Labour controlled Birmingham City Council received thousands of objections - all of which were ignored. Time will tell whether Sutton residents have again been snubbed.
Cllr Ken Wood says: As the saying goes “ Its not over till the fat lady sings” and that is certainly the stance we’ve adopted – with myself and Cllr David Barrie now for two years - more recently joined by newly elected Cllr Alex Yip. We’ve also had the welcome and active support of Andrew Mitchell MP. He’s promised to raise the issue in the Houses of Parliament – then its an agonising wait for the outcome of the planning inspectors review.’