I would like to cite my opposition to the proposal to build 350 homes on the sports fields site in Dickens Heath. I have two main concerns:

As developments in this area have grown and green space has lessened, the site has become increasingly important for wildlife. Site 4 is surrounded by local wildlife sites and ancient woodland and this building project will devastate the populations of deer, badgers, bats and other wildlife that roam in these fields and adjoining woodland.

I am also seriously concerned about the loss of community green space and sports facilities; the land is home to various sports clubs including Old Yardleians Rugby Club, Highgate Football Club and Wychall Wanderers Football Club, as well as Fitbox bootcamp on the rugby field and I am most concerned about the potential loss of these facilities for local people. Sporting activities are vital to the social, emotional and physical wellbeing of children and adults alike and I cannot overstate the negative effect that losing these facilities would have.

There are also concerns around the site being prone to significant flooding and the impact that the increase in traffic would have on a narrow road system that is already struggling to cope, which I am sure other objectors will discuss in more detail.

I do hope that you incorporate the voices of local people into your considerations and that you feel able to support us by refusing permission for the redevelopment of Site 4.