We, the undersigned residents of Heath Hayes, call on Cannock Chase District Council to withdraw the planning application for 700 new homes on designated Green Belt land. The proposed 700-home site sits on the 79.81-acre parcel immediately south of Cannock Road (the A460) in Heath Hayes. This unjustified development will radically alter our community, overwhelm local services, and destroy precious open space for current and future generations.

 
Why We Oppose
Loss of Green Belt and local character
Severe traffic congestion and deteriorating air quality
Overstretched healthcare, schools and emergency services
Risk of crime and antisocial behaviour in an oversized estate
Failure to prioritise brownfield regeneration
 
Facts & Figures
700 homes will house roughly 1,600 new residents, based on the local average household size.
An estimated 85% car ownership rate means around 1,360 additional vehicles.
With three daily trips per car, that’s over 4,000 extra vehicle movements each day on roads already at or beyond capacity.
Local GP surgeries currently record more than 120 appointment requests per day—there is no remaining capacity to serve 1,600 extra patients.
Schools, dentists and emergency services already operate at 90–100% of safe capacity.

 Petition Points: Why the 700-Home Development in Heath Hayes Is Problematic
1. Sewage and Drainage Infrastructure Is Unproven
No confirmed capacity from Severn Trent Water to support the additional load.
Utilities report (Feb 2024) admits further assessment is needed—meaning infrastructure is not yet validated.
Risk of overflow, backflow, and environmental damage if development proceeds without upgrades.
2. Green Belt Loss and Environmental Impact
The site requires release of Green Belt land, sparking strong opposition from residents and environmental groups (e.g. CPRE).
Development threatens local wildlife habitats and biodiversity corridors.
Surveys and mitigation plans are still pending—yet planning is advancing.
3. Traffic and Congestion
Increased pressure on Wimblebury Road and Five Ways roundabout.
No confirmed traffic mitigation strategy or junction upgrades.
Local roads already struggle with peak-hour congestion.
4. Strain on Public Services
GP surgeries, schools, and emergency services are already stretched.
While a new primary school is proposed, no timeline or funding guarantees exist.
Risk of overwhelming existing services before new provisions are in place.
5. Community Opposition
Over 300 signatures already submitted in a prior petition opposing the development.
Residents feel the development is not needed by locals and will damage village character.
Consultation responses show widespread concern about infrastructure, flooding, and loss of countryside.
 

Our Legal Rights
Under the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) Regulations 2012, residents have the right to be properly consulted on all Green Belt proposals.
Cannock Chase Local Plan Policy CP8 strictly limits development on Green Belt land except in exceptional circumstances.
We may lodge formal objections during the statutory consultation period and request a public hearing.
If the council fails to follow due process, we can pursue an appeal or judicial review to protect our community.
 
What We Demand
Immediate withdrawal of the current planning application.
Publication of a full, independent Environmental Impact Assessment for public scrutiny.
A binding commitment to develop brownfield and previously developed sites before any Green Belt release.
Legally enforceable infrastructure guarantees covering roads, GP surgeries, schools, pharmacies and emergency services— secured before any ground-breaking.
A genuine, transparent consultation process that includes public meetings, clear timelines and all technical reports made available in full.
 
How You Can Help
Sign and share this petition with every Heath Hayes household.
Submit your written objection via the council’s planning portal before the deadline.
Write or email your ward councillors and MP 
Attend the Planning Committee meeting and register to speak in opposition.
Organise a neighbourhood public meeting to gather additional evidence—traffic surveys, air quality readings, photographs of current congestion.
Spread the word on local Facebook groups, WhatsApp chats and community noticeboards.
 
By signing below, you stand with your neighbours to protect our environment, preserve the character of Heath Hayes, and demand accountable, sustainable planning. Together we can stop this development and secure a healthier, safer, greener future for our community.