A developer hoping to bulldoze Coombeswood Green Wedge is using a nearby school as a ‘pawn’ according to a concerned parent.

Olive Hill Primary will get facilities including an environmental zone and sports pitches under plans from St Modwen to move Coombs Wood Sports and Social Club onto the wedge so it can sell its existing site for housing.

Paul Stringer, who used to be a governor and has three children at Olive Hill, feels the school is being used by St Modwen and is focusing on its own needs rather than the community.

The 48-year-old teacher said: “The school is behaving in a deceptive, unprofessional manner and are not acting in the interest of the local community in supporting such a project.

“If there isn't legislation to prevent schools being used as pawns in the murky world of the developers there most certainly should be.”

St Modwen wants to sell the sports club for housing and move it onto the wedge, which is greenbelt.

As part of proposals it has pledged to create facilities for the school, which also backs onto the green wedge.

A newsletter from the school to parents states: “If permission is not given, given our current level of funding we will be unable to create the additional playground space, early years outdoor area, increased parking on site, additional football pitch or environmental area.”

Paul feels parents are being pressured into supporting plans. He has complained to Dudley Council and has written to headteacher Tess Jordan.

Tess Jordan said many parents had been “very, very positive” about plans.

She said: “When we sent out consultation forms relating to this we did state this was a proposal which was part of the joint planning application which includes the relocation of the cricket club.

“I understand some members of our community have differing views but as the headteacher of Olive Hill I believe I have to ensure we have the best facilities possible for the children in our care.”

Ian Romano, development surveyor, St. Modwen says: “As a developer, there is no doubt we have a long lasting commitment to the areas in which we build and a responsibility to deliver schemes that are of benefit to the local community which is why, for each of our schemes, we actively consult with the local community and look carefully at how we can positively impact the areas beyond our immediate proposed scheme.

“This is exactly what we are doing at Coombs Wood where, from the start, we have worked in close partnership with Olive Hill Primary School and the Coombs Wood Sports and Social Club to ensure that we are delivering what they and the wider community needs by way of sports, educational and environmental facilities and in doing so leaving a legacy for all to enjoy.”