The Puxton Marsh saga continues. The latest application by Wyre Forest Community Housing is to build 71 dwellings and associated road works off Puxton Drive (and onto the Marsh). The site is of Special Scientific Interest and forms part of Puxton Marsh Nature Reserve.
The River Stour runs adjacent tot the proposed new dwellings, and the Marsh area constitutes Kidderminster’s anti-flooding facility, as well as providing habitat for many species of animals, birds, fish, trees, shrubs, rushes and grasses.
The fact is that the proposed development would be built on hundreds of tons of rubble and spoil, into which foundations would be constructed. Given that it is marsh, the land is naturally subject to flooding and movement.
Local residents have endured flooding to their gardens and areas in their houses when heavy rain has fallen. The new road works would introduce hazardous levels of traffic to and from the new dwellings, which would be detrimental to the health and safety of residents.
Government advice is not to build new settlements so near such a river and on a Flood Plain. I would strongly urge Planning Councillors to reject this application when it comes before Committee at sometime during the New Year.
I agree there is a need for new affordable housing. However, our community would be best served if Community Housing donated this contentious plot of land to the District Council so that it could facilitate using the land as an extension to the Puxton Marsh Nature Reserve.
I suggest that such an action would enhance the reputation of the Housing Company as a defender of the environment as well as a provider of new houses, naturally built on appropriate sites.
Yours sincerely,
Nigel Knowles
Former Labour Chairman of Planning at Town, District and County Council
