Villagers launch bid to block plan for industrial site near school

PLANS for an industrial and logistics site yards from a school have sparked objections from more than 300 people.

More than 1,000 new jobs could be created if plans by developer St Modwen for land next to Junction 13 of the M6, are given the green light.

But South Staffordshire residents fear the development, earmarked for farmland near St Leonard’s First School, would lead to light pollution, noise and traffic issues in Dunston.

An online petition has been backed by more than 300 people and villagers are also rallying round to get as many objections submitted to South Staffordshire District Council as possible before its consultation period ends on Monday, April 1.

District councillors and residents attended a public meeting to discuss the plans at Dunston village hall last week.

Villager Rob Stubbs said: “The impact will be tremendous on the village. There is nothing that benefits this community, it is all negative to this community.”

Parent Lynsay Marsden said: “We chose the school for its rural location and the tranquillity of the countryside. It is going to be ruined with lorries coming every day.”

Councillor Andrew Adams highlighted potential parking issues, as well as impact on wildlife such as badgers and bats.

He said: “We don’t know if lighting is going to be 24 hours a day and bats need dark corridors.

“This development is a significant intrusion into the countryside. We know the agricultural land is Grade 2, which is one of the best, and we need to protect land like that.”