Residents living near a century-old golf club set to be redeveloped as a housing estate face six years of building work in their neighbourhood, a Parliamentary candidate claims.
Plans have been drawn up by Bloor Homes to build 800 homes at the North Worcestershire Golf Club, in Northfield, which faces insolvency due to declining membership.
Prospective Conservative MP for Northfield Rachel Maclean accepted the club has no option but to sell its land for redevelopment after discussions involving a partnership with Bournville College collapsed.
However, she said local people faced up to six years of construction work in their neighbourhood if the plans were approved – which is “too much to ask”.
She said: “There is a real sense of uncertainty and, in some cases, anger, over the situation, that will, after all, have a significant impact on people’s daily lives while the construction is in progress.
“The nearby Balaam Wood development at Egg Hill is already adversely affecting people. I hear regularly from residents who are concerned that construction lorries are using residential streets that are not fit for purpose, increasing the risk of an accident taking place.
“As well as this, Longbridge residents across the area have already patiently endured years of building work as the new town centre takes shape.
“The feeling now is that they have had enough. Six more years of construction work is too much to ask.”
The proposals come after adult male membership at the club fell from more than 400 in 2005 to only 276 last year, meaning income has dipped by £130,000.
Bloor Homes says the proposals could include playing fields, footpaths, cycleways and extensive public open space.
Duncan Mackay, land director, said: “Bloor Homes understands local residents will be concerned about the impact of any development and we will be holding a public consultation at which these concerns will be addressed. We are only at the very start of the planning process and effective engagement with local people is a priority.
“We are already discussing the issues with stakeholders and elected representatives.”
