We are asking Wyre Forest District Council to reconsider and withdraw the proposed development of approximately 200 homes at Coniston Crescent and protect this valued open space for residents, wildlife and future generations.

This is not simply a piece of unused land waiting to be built on.

The former golf course is a much-loved local green space, used every day by residents for walking, running, cycling, exercising and dog walking. It provides an important place for families and children and has genuine recreational, environmental and wellbeing value.

The Council's own ecological evidence has identified significant biodiversity interests on the site.

The proposed development also needs to be considered alongside the approximately 109 homes already built nearby. Around 300 homes in this immediate area would bring significant cumulative pressures on roads, parking, school journeys, pedestrians, drainage and local services.

Most importantly, the outline planning application has not yet been submitted. The fact that the land was previously allocated for housing does not mean that development is inevitable. The eventual application must still be properly assessed against current evidence and planning considerations.

The Council's latest housing-land assessment reports an 8.8-year supply of deliverable housing sites. We therefore believe it is reasonable to ask why this particular piece of valuable community green space must be sacrificed for approximately 200 additional homes.

We are not opposed to housing. We are asking whether this is the right place for it, given the site's recreational and ecological value, the existing pressures on the local area and the Council's current housing position.

We are asking Wyre Forest District Council to:

• Reconsider and withdraw from the need to develop the Coniston Crescent/SA.S6 site.
• Ensure current, independent evidence is obtained on traffic, ecology, drainage and local infrastructure.
• Properly assess the site's existing recreational and community value.
• Consider the cumulative impact of the existing and proposed developments.
• Remain open to an alternative future for the land as an enhanced community green space, nature and conservation area.

Please sign if you believe Coniston Crescent is more valuable to our community as open space than as another housing development — and that its future deserves to be properly reconsidered before this opportunity is lost forever.