We need your help to prevent the redevelopment of Brandhall Green Space, also known as the former Brandhall Golf Course.

The site is located in the south of Sandwell, between the M5 and Wolverhampton Road. Although Sandwell Council officially closed the golf course in 2020, the site has been targeted for redevelopment for several years.

There are several reasons why we must stop this development, and we require your support in signing this petition to protect the site for present and future generations.

One of the major concerns for local residents is the risk of flooding. Brandhall Green Space is designated as flood risk zone 3, with a high risk of flash flooding. The site often experiences flash flooding, even with the current flood prevention measures in place. Developing the site will only increase the risk and incidence of flooding. Sandwell MBC's reassurances that they will address this issue are not reassuring to local residents, given their past track record.

Moreover, the redevelopment will add more than 600 cars to the local road network. This increase in traffic will inevitably lead to more congestion and pollution, posing a higher risk of road accidents and pedestrian accidents. The quality of life for local residents will decrease due to the increased traffic. Additionally, the lack of clean air will lead to higher rates of illness.

This petition demands that Sandwell MBC shelve all plans for the significant redevelopment of Brandhall Green Space. Instead, we want them to protect the site for current and future residents to enjoy as a wildlife haven.

We have listed all the objections we have raised below, including the fact that the site has not undergone Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA) and that the development plans are avoiding any Environmental Impact Assessment.

Sandwell MBC has bypassed their own processes and exploited loopholes to avoid scrutiny, checks and balances. Moreover, the site is protected by the Black Country Core Strategy Policy ENV1 and is designated as a CORE HABITAT ZONE by the BLACK COUNTRY PLAN, making it a priority for protection and restoration. The site has two Gateway Constraints for flooding and open space not surplus against current standards. There are nine priority habitats protected by The Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (2006) (NERC) Section 41 legislation and over 50 individual tree planting sites protected by a 99 year deed of covenant and funded as part of the £7 million Black Country Urban Forest Millennium Program.

The site is an important wildlife corridor and is home to several protected species. It also contributes greatly to policy ENV4 and the Nature Recovery Network and biodiversity net gain targets of the Black Country Plan. Additionally, it contributes to Sandwell's strategic priorities 1 and 2 of the Black Country Plan, which are climate change mitigation and adaptation.

The site makes a significant contribution to Sandwell's carbon neutrality policy commitments through the carbon binding properties of non-renewable resources such as trees and soil. Furthermore, it contributes to Sandwell's policy obligation to fulfill national clean air targets, which are integral to Sandwell's Climate Change Strategy.

Finally, the site is designated as an area of high historic landscape value (AHHLV) and is the only green space site across all four Black Country Authorities that resides wholly within an area of high historic landscape value (AHHLV). All the other green spaces within the four Black Country Authorities, which are designated as Areas of High Historic Landscape Value, are preserved, whereas Brandhall Green Space is selected for housing.