Concerns green space is disappearing "bit by bit"

RESIDENTS have said they will continue to oppose any suggestion of development on an area of open space in Chelmsley Wood.
Last month, local people poured into the Fordbridge Centre and said that the plot of land at Clopton Crescent must be preserved.
Back in October, in the face of fierce criticism, Solihull Council agreed to defer a decision on disposing of the site.
And now those living nearby are demanding that the proposals, which could pave the way for a new housing development, be permanently shelved.
At the meeting of Fordbridge Town Council, emotions ran high, with a number of residents arguing the estate’s green spaces were under siege.
John Tocker, who lives in Newby Grove, said that “land-grabbing” would leave local people living like battery hens.
“I want the freedom of an open space, just to walk down the road and enjoy the nature and the sights. “We want the freedom to choose to walk our dog, to kick the ball, to skip, to run, play hide and seek, what the kids have done over the generations.”
The 76-year-old’s fear was that “enclosing” residents in could herald a return to the crowded estates he had grown up in.
“Chelmsley Wood was built on the concept of open, green pocket spaces, because the planners of the day realised what people from Nechells, Aston and areas like that were living with.”
Ian Reece, from the Bacons End Triangle Residents Association, said there had been no consultation “of any relevance” with local people
“What’s wrong with asking local residents what they think of the quality of their green space, that they use, that nobody else does?”
Coun David Cole, who is both a town and borough councillor, said he was “alarmed” by proposals. “My children thrived when they came here, it was the best thing we ever done. And green space was the reason why we came.
“And they’ve been nibbling away, bit by bit, place by place.”
John Halton, from the North Solihull Partnership, which oversees the Regeneration project, said there was an urgent need to build new homes.
“I appreciate people don’t often welcome housing, but with affordable housing there is a dire need. Not only here in the borough but nationally.
“Obviously we want to make sure that we can take as many opportunities as possible to provide that.” He insisted that current plans would mean only a fifth of the land would be built on.
And it was intended that developers would invest in improvements to what remains, which could include an upgraded football pitch. Solihull Council has confirmed it is still considering options for Clopton Crescent and two other sites in Smith’s Wood (at Anglesey Avenue and Auckland Drive).
A date has yet to be set for the matter to go back to the cabinet