RESIDENTS are concerned over a Halesowen firm's plans for a new warehouse on green space near their homes.

Hayley Group Ltd wants to build the warehouse to expand its existing site on Shelah Road and is inviting people to a public presentation at the hub at Halesowen College today (Wednesday July 13) from 6pm till 7.30pm.

As part of plans it will build a new larger staff car park.

The hardware distribution firm, which employs 270 people at its Halesowen HQ, has bought land which backs onto the gardens of homes on Fairmile Road, on the Haden Coppice estate, and wants to find out the reaction from people living nearby.

Gould Singleton Architects, acting for the firm, said in a letter to residents that Hayley Group bought the land at the end of 2021.

It states: "We are currently seeking initial comments from Dudley MBC planning department through a pre-application process and it is hoped that a formal planning application can be submitted in September 2022, supported by supplementary reports covering landscape, ecology, transportation, drainage, noise, air quality and lighting design."

But some people nearby are worried about the loss of trees and say the area is a haven for wildlife.

Chris Ashford, whose dad David Ashford, aged 78, lives on Fairmile Road, said: "It's valuable green space for a housing estate which has been there for 50 years.

"There are badgers, foxes and buzzards - well established trees - and people like to enjoy getting the wildlife, which comes into their back gardens.

"Some trees have already been removed but there's been no heavy plant machinery in and there's still a lot left which we don't want to lose."

Councillor Simon Phipps said residents became worried a few months ago when the firm started removing trees from the site.

He said: "Local residents have contacted me concerned about the loss of a green buffer between their homes and the industrial area.

"The firm has already removed some vegetation and trees so we suspected development was coming.

"They do want to properly engage with residents who also have concerns about employees parking on local roads.

"I'm hoping the development will be something everyone can agree on and that a green barrier can be restored."

The letter states there will be "enhanced landscaping/buffer screening along the southern boundary to neighbouring properties."

There will be a presentation at 6.30pm.