A MAJOR campaign is being launched to fight “tooth and nail” plans to build more than 40 houses on Halesowen’s treasured greenbelt at Coombeswood.

Property developers St Modwen have had behind the scenes talks with interest groups in a bid to win support for a housing development on a field around Firtree Farm on the green wedge.

Although the company is remaining tight-lipped and no planning application has yet been submitted to Dudley planners, the News can reveal it is proposing to build two, three, four and possibly five bedroom homes.

An access road would be built from Mucklow Hill, which objectors say would create even more traffic congestion on the busy dual track.

Councillors across the politic spectrum vowed at to fight the proposal “tooth and nail” at Tuesday’s Halesowen North and South Community Forum.

Chairman Cllr Karen Shakespeare said greenbelt development was unnecessary when brownfield sites such as the former Holt Farm School and land in Fairfield Road would satisfy housing needs.

“It is complete nonsense that we would take housing onto greenbelt land – we have to think of future generations.”

Cllr Hilary Bills accused St Modwen of “chipping away” at interest groups to win support and revealed the Friends of Coombeswood Wedge had been told St Modwen would relinquish its hold on the rest of the wedge if there was no protest against its plans.

Following the forum meeting, Friends of Leasowes Park chairman Marieanne Diller said: “We have met with St Modwen and made it very clear that we cannot support this planning application.”

Mick Freer, secretary of the Hales Owen Abbey Trust, which carried out 10 years of improvements to the wedge, said the proposed housing would destroy the “wonderful views” and ruin a Landscape Heritage Area.

But Friends of Coombeswood Wedge spokesman Sue Yeadon said: “We are aware of plans and have been in discussion with St Modwen but until the plans have been submitted prefer not to comment. We do have the whole of the wedge’s interest at heart.”

Ian Romano, St Modwen’s senior development surveyor, said: “We are considering our options for the Halesowen area, but remain committed to enhancing the Coombeswood Green Wedge for residents.”

A petition against house building on the popular beauty spot can be signed online at www.halesowennorth.com