Proposal for new cul-de-sac on land in Rowley Regis

The cul-de-sac, off Sean Dolan Close, would create 14 semi link-detached homes and two bungalows, with parking.

Homes would be from two-bed up to four-bed.

Plans, from a Mr Bhamra, were submitted to Sandwell Council on April 9.

Plans for four two-bedroom flats and five three-bedroom houses submitted last year on a site on the opposite side of Sean Dolan Close were refused by planners after a petition of 147 signatures and 34 letters of objection were received.

Concerns centred around a loss of trees and wildlife, with the site being of local importance for wildlife, loss of light to neighbouring dwellings and gardens as well as a loss of privacy.

Councillor Danny Millard, who backed residents in their fight against the previous proposal, said he will listen to their views on the new development.

He said: "We don't want to lose any green space - the type of housing is better with this application as before there were flats, but the area is used by wildlife including birds, squirrels and badgers.

"There are issues around Tree Protection Orders (TPOs) on some trees around the back of the site. The front of the site is a grassy area, then there are the trees - those will have to stay.

"There was a strong feeling against the previous plans on the opposite side of Sean Dolan Close - we went out in the snow to meet residents and 30 people were there to meet us to discuss concerns.

"I will listen to what residents think of this new application and will represent their views."

A proposal to Sandwell Council states: "The site is vacant and is overgrown and there are a number of trees located on the boundary of the site which are subject to a woodland tree Preservation Order which creates a natural backdrop to the development.

"The land to the west drops significantly beyond the site boundary.

"The mature trees on the site, will remain undisturbed and form an attractive backdrop to the development.

"The proposed development respects that landscape character and will ensure that trees will be retained and any replacement will be agreed to ensure that character of the areas in enhanced."

Cllr Millard said residents who had written letters of objection against the previous proposal would be contacted individually by Sandwell Council's planning department.