A BATTLE over the future of a former Stourbridge school is to be fought out again after developers re-submitted plans to demolish it to make way for new homes.

Persimmon Homes want to bulldoze Longlands School on Brook Street and build 52 homes on the site and its former playing fields.

The application to Dudley Council’s Development Committee comes after a similar plan was rejected in January this year.

Developers lodged an appeal with the planning inspectorate against the rejection of the original proposal but have also submitted a new, scaled back application.

The proposal has led to 40 letters of objections by local residents opposing the scheme saying it does not reflect the character of the area and will add to parking and traffic, increase air and noise pollution and will put pressure on local services such as schools and GP surgeries. 

Objectors claim the development will also lead to the loss of green space and harm protected species on the former playing fields.

The present site also includes a number of arts and crafts style buildings, which opponents of the scheme say should be protected but which Historic England has said have been so eroded by subsequent additions they do not merit being listed.

The site has been the target of anti-social behaviour and arson attacks since it was closed in 2011 when Stourbridge College moved its art and design courses to a new campus in Brierley Hill.

In a report to the committee, planning officers have recommended approval of the scheme saying: “The proposed development provides sufficient parking in accordance with adopted standards as well as allowing for safe access into the site and on the local highway network. 

“The design and layout of the proposed development is considered to be acceptable and provides mitigation for exiting protected species which are located at the site.”

Councillors will discuss the plans at their meeting on July 17.