CAMPAIGNERS who successfully campaigned against a proposed housing development on fields in Bewdley have warned further threats to green belt sites could happen.

Gladman Developments lost a High Court appeal against Wyre Forest District Council’s decision to refuse permission to build 195 homes on land of Bark Hill and the final deadline for the company to lodge any further appeals has now passed.

But Gladman has now submitted a response in the consultation on the council’s draft Local Plan which will shape development across the district until 2034, prompting fears amongst campaigners that further proposals could be in the pipeline.

Rod Stanczyszyn, chairman of the Bewdley Says No To Gladman Group (BSNTG), said: “The Court Of Appeal had finally closed all proceedings relating to Gladman’s challenge.

“We are delighted with this outcome, it is the vindication of all those in our community who have said no to Gladman and I thank them most sincerely.

“However, it doesn’t mean that this situation cannot arise again. Also there could be a challenge to the Bewdley Neighbourhood Plan when it becomes part of the next Wyre Forest Local Plan.

“I can assure all BSNTG supporters that we will be watching closely for any inappropriate threats to our valued green open spaces in the future.”

A spokesman for Wyre Forest District Council said they understood Gladman will not be pursing the Bewdley application further.

He added: “We received a consultation response from Gladman and we will be releasing a summary of consultation responses during the Pre-Submission consultation.”

Gladman has never spoken directly to The Shuttle about their plans but their application said they were trying to address a need for housing – including affordable properties - in the area.