Petition Update: New Environmental and Infrastructure Risks

Dear neighbours and supporters,

Since we launched our petition to stop the 700-home proposal on Heath Hayes’ Green Belt, alarming new issues have come to light. These threats go beyond loss of countryside—they endanger our water quality, public health, and highway safety.

1. Sewage Pollution in Newlands Stream

• On several occasions, I have now learned, human waste has been found floating or washing up in Newlands Stream near Cannock Road.
• Our local sewage treatment works is already at capacity.
• Further development will only increase discharge events, putting downstream habitats and community health at risk.

2. Overstretched Sewage Infrastructure

• The existing plant cannot cope with the current population, leading to foul odours.
• Adding 700 homes would overwhelm pipes and tanks, creating regular pollution incidents and costly upgrades that we’ll all pay for through our water bills, which are already rising.

3. Traffic Congestion and Road Safety

• Cannock Road and surrounding routes are already gridlocked at peak times.
• The notorious Five Ways junction sees queues stretching back onto the A5 and creates pinch-points for school runs, emergency vehicles, and cyclists.
• Introducing hundreds more car trips each day would heighten collision risk and air-quality problems, putting pedestrians—especially school children—at serious danger.

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By signing and sharing this updated petition, you’re demanding that South Staffordshire Council and Cannock Chase Borough Council:

• Refuse any further draft allocations for Green Belt release
• Commission an independent capacity study of our sewage works
• Undertake a full traffic impact assessment, including Five Ways junction safety
• Protect Newlands Stream and local wildlife from further pollution

Add your name below and share this update with everyone who cares about safe roads, clean water, and preserving Heath Hayes’ character.

Thank you for your continued support in defending our community against unsustainable development.