AROUND 400 concerned residents took part in a protest walk across under-threat Halesowen greenbelt calling for proposals for thousands of homes to be thrown out.

The group Save Halesowen's Countryside organised the three-mile ramble from Dog Kennel Lane to Tack Farm on Saturday (October 12).

James Morris MP took part in the ramble to show his support for the campaign.

Mick Freer, of Save Halesowen's Countryside, said the walk was "splendid" and showed how worried people are about proposals from St Modwen for between 980 and 1,130 homes as well as a possible primary school and health centre on the farmland, off the A456 Manor Way.

Developer St Modwen has submitted its vision for Tack Farm to Dudley Council as part of the Black Country Plan's call for sites for potential development.

Mick said: "We had a great turnout - young and old - some with placards.

"It took around half an hour to get over each stile because of the amount of people!

"People are shocked at the threat to our greenbelt.

"We now have proposals for approximately 5,000 houses and 25 acres of industry in the green belt within and round Halesowen.

"The areas under threat are Lapal; Uffmoor (Tack Farm); Foxcote/Lutley and Coombeswood.

"We are relying on the proposals for these sites being rejected at the next stage - but we cannot guarantee that.

"It's important to keep up the momentum."

James Morris MP said: "The walk was a fantastic display by local residents of the strong strength of feeling there is about why we should be protecting our precious greenbelt.

"Not only did it bring so many people together to highlight this key issue but it also was an opportunity to enjoy this wonderful piece of countryside on our doorstep.”

Halesowen News:

Mick said he is preparing a report on the campaign and its work over the last 30 years to submit to Dudley Council, before a decision is made on plans in January.

Submissions - not all of which will actually go ahead - included proposals to build 1,500 houses on Foxcote Farm on Oldnall Road in Wollescote, 600 houses at Ketley Farm in Kingswinford, 400 homes at Lapal Farm and 60 homes at Grange Hill, 400 houses on agricultural land on Clent View Road, Norton and 500 houses on Racecourse Lane in Norton.