Update on Cradley High School site development: Plans for public meeting (From Halesowen News)

Update on Cradley High School site development: Plans for public meeting

10:40am Wednesday 19th September 2012 in News

CAMPAIGNERS are calling for people to back a petition against plans to sell off the former Cradley High School site for development as a multi-million pound retirement village.

They are calling for Dudley Council to keep the land as public open space and incorporate it into the adjoining Homer Hill Park.

The former school site on Homer Hill is one of a number of locations being considered by the council and its partner housing association, Midland Heart, for extra care housing.

Extra care housing apartments cater for the over 55s and feature communal facilities like hair and beauty salons, gyms and libraries.

Park user Val Bloomer, who attended a consultation into plans held by Midland Heart last week, said there was no safe access to the site and fears that a large swathe of the best flat area of the park would be used to force through access via a widened Homer Hill Road.

She claims many park users, including adult and junior football teams, were not aware of the consultation and believes car parking for them would be inadequate if the development went ahead.

Ward councillors Tim Crumpton , Gaye Partridge and Richard Body are planning to hold a public meeting, hopefully with representatives from Midland Heart in the next few weeks.

“The consultation was not widely advertised and we want to make sure everyone gets chance to see the plans. We also want some steer from the public we represent on what they want for the site,” said Cllr Crumpton.

Nick Byrne, deputy director of new business and development at Midland Heart, said: “We have reassured residents we are considering a number of options including the former exit and entrance to the school which will aim to provide a safe route.

“The proposed development is part of a partnership with Dudley Council to develop affordable, independent accommodation for the growing number of over 55s in the region.”

Councillor Khurshid Ahmed, cabinet member for housing, libraries and adult learning, added that road safety was paramount.

To sign the petition visit www.cradleylinks.co.uk/news.htm