THE fate of five council-owned green spaces across the Dudley borough is to be debated by councillors who are being asked for their views on whether the sites should be released for future development.

Ward councillors will be asked to comment on whether the local authority-owned green sites that were put forward in the Draft Black Country Plan consultation last summer should be retained by the council or become surplus to requirements.

The sites are located in Lapwood Avenue, Kingswinford, Seymour Road, Wollescote, Bent Street, Brierley Hill, Bryce Road in Pensnett and Corbyns Hall open space, off Seven Drive, Pensnett.

Meanwhile, Dudley Council chiefs have reiterated their “brownfield first” policy.

Councillor Simon Phipps, the authority’s cabinet member for regeneration and enterprise, said: “We have made our views clear on what should happen to these sites.

“This technical process will allow ward members to inform a decision on these green spaces and it is important they have their say.”

During a consultation earlier this year regarding sites across the Black Country, almost 20,800 people responded and a further 18,000 signed petitions - with most calling for green belt and green spaces to be removed from the plan.

Following the response, Dudley Council’s leader Councillor Patrick Harley said the authority should continue to look at previously-developed land first.

He said: “I have made my stance very clear that we are a brownfield first authority and from the feedback we had on the consultation the vast majority of people endorse that view.

“We will continue to listen and act on the views of local people when it comes to the Black Country Plan, but we also have to go through the formal process to achieve that in the right way.”

Following the consultation with councillors a report will go to the council’s cabinet in July.