Anger as plan seeks to keep unauthorised stable block on Hagley green belt

A PLAN to keep a stable block and convert a Hagley field for equestrian use has attracted a raft of objections from nearby residents and workers.

An application has been submitted to Bromsgrove planners seeking retrospective permission for a change of use of green belt land off Wassell Grove Lane to equestrian use, retention of stables, hard-standing and alterations made to the vehicular access.

People familiar with the country lane, however, are up in arms over the application – saying work to erect stables on the site was carried out without permission.

Darren Howden, of Halesowen, said: “The stable block was constructed without planning permission and was subject to previous enforcement action. The appeal against the enforcement action was dismissed, indicating there were valid reasons for denying permission.”

The stable block on land in Wassell Grove Lane, Hagley (Image: Public)

Objectors have also voiced concerns about the impact the facility would have on traffic and safety on the narrow country lane, as well as the damage to the green belt.

Mr Howden’s objection letter added: “The location of the stables, accessed via Wassell Grove Lane, could disrupt the character of the area, as it's a quiet residential and rural setting. The proposed development may increase traffic and noise in the vicinity and which will likely pose a danger to the residents and users of the local rugby club.”

Iain Martin, who runs the Wassell Grove Business Centre, said: “We know the land well and it is poor grazing, gets very boggy, and there are flooding issues during heavy spells of rain. The field has wetland grasses and wildflowers but has become overgrown.

“We are concerned the applicant has not complied with directions to remove the metal shed following the failure of their appeal; moreover, they have not shown any consideration to maintain the land or cut back the hedges.

The overgrown site off Wassell Grove Lane, Hagley (Image: Public)

"Given the lane is very narrow in places, the overgrown hedges are becoming a road safety issue, particularly around the blind bends.”

Kim Cockburn of Cradley Heath said: “Equestrian usage on this site would mean 24-hour access, this will be a nuisance to local residents, and traffic will increase due to need to attend animals on a daily basis, this is already a busy road as it is, also increasing more risk of accidents.”

Stephen Brown of Halesowen called for the plan to be thrown out, saying: “This road is already inappropriate for the needs of the community and is dangerous. Approving this application would make this situation much worse. Please reject it.”

Alastair Smith of Stourbridge said the plan “shows a blatant lack of consideration for the local residents, businesses and environment” – adding: “The road itself is already unsuitable for the level of traffic it faces, so further traffic brought in by any development would create significant further danger to road users, and would also lead to more destruction of the local wildlife and plant life.

“I strongly object to this plan - ignoring previous instructions not to build, disregarding local people and putting the public at higher risk should not be allowed.”

The tables on the land off Wassell Grove Lane, Hagley (Image: Public)

Meanwhile, Hagley Parish Council has objected to the plan. In a letter to planners the council said: “It should be noted that there was a previous withdrawn application and we have concerns regarding the risk of this becoming an illegal travellers' site. We accordingly suggest that if Bromsgrove District Council decides to grant this application, it should continue to monitor the site to ensure that such planning consent is not exceeded.”

A planning statement in support of the application, the council's planning portal, says the stable block, for two horses, was already in situ when the owner bought the site.

The application says the stables will have minimal visual impact from the highway and are a suitable distance from existing homes and the planning statement adds: “The stables are small scale, constructed of simple metal cladding and maintain a rural appearance with a corrugated sheet roof.”

It adds that the owner was “poorly advised” on the previous unsuccessful appeal and it calls for the retrospective application to be approved.

The plan (application number 24/00254/FUL) is expected to be determined by May 23.

A spokesperson for Bromsgrove District Council said it would be determined under delegated powers rather than going before the planning committee.

People can make representations up until May 23, the council has confirmed, via the council's planning portal.