Dudley Council has safeguarded five green spaces after listening to public opinion.

Five sites, including are Lapwood Avenue, Kingswinford, Seymour Road, Wollescote, Bent Street, Brierley Hill, Bryce Road, Pensnett and Corbyns Hall open space, Seven Drive, Pensnett have been safeguarded after ward councillors reported back on public feeling in their wards.

The sites had originally been included in the Black Country Plan, but after members spoke to local people as part of the disposal process review, councillors fed back that their residents wanted the sites to stay in public ownership with considerations including the importance of access to greenspace itself for children and families, the unsuitability of certain location for development and the impact of potential development on roads and parking. Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, said:

"I continue to be very clear that we are a brownfield first authority and this is something which is clearly shared by ward members and residents who have contributed this review.

"It’s not just about preserving the greenbelt but also about conserving green spaces, and especially those green spaces in some of our more built up and residential areas where access to nature, greenery and exercise is of the utmost importance.

"I’m really pleased with the outcome of this consultation which shows we will listen to residents and support their views."

Last year almost 20,800 people responded to the draft Black Country Plan and a further 18,000 people signed petitions with the majority calling for green belt and green spaces to be removed from the plan.

Following the response, the leader of the council vowed to be a ‘brownfield first’ authority which should continue to look at previously developed land first.

People can stay up to date with the plans at blackcountryplan.dudley.gov.uk.