SANDYGATE Close residents are urging the Borough Council to put the brakes on its plans to build bungalows in an area where children play.
It comes after a planning application was approved for five affordable two-bed bungalows in the small and – say residents – already crowded cul-de-sac.
The bungalows will be built on a patch of grass where residents’ children often play games and ride their bikes.
Sandygate Close resident and mum Michelle Bayliss said: “I can’t believe the council wants to destroy our community and take away the only bit of greenery we have.
“It works perfectly for our children and us as parents, because the patch is visible from all of our houses.
“We take it in turns to keep an eye on the children, which puts us at ease knowing they’re safe.”
Michelle said her children were upset after she explained to them why they wouldn’t be able to play there in the future.
“We received letters from the council last summer stating our children could not play in the street and now they want to take away this safe land to add these bungalows which will seriously affect parking, speed of traffic and house prices, and will over crowd the close.
“It’s not just our children who use the lovely grass verge at the end of our road but also dog walkers, runners, and even sometimes horses.”
A total of 23 affordable homes are earmarked to be built across the borough, including eight two-bed bungalows in Ibstock Close, two in Fladbury Close and three houses in Heronfield Close.
The council’s Housing Growth Programme has already provided 11 new-build homes on Marton Close, Enfield.
During the current financial year the council has added 20 homes to its stock, spending nearly £2m.
Redditch Borough Council’s portfolio-holder for housing, Coun Craig Warhurst, said: “I am delighted the latest outline planning permissions have been approved as it means we can continue to provide homes to our residents which they can afford.”
A developer will be sought to deliver the projects now the outline permission has been granted.
