Bradley has met with residents in Catshill to discuss their concerns with housebuilding on the greenbelt.
The local MP recently joined Councillor Shirley Webb and local residents at Catshill Community Orchard.
It follows the publication of Bromsgrove District Council’s draft Local Plan for future housing development.
The draft Plan, which is currently out for public consultation, would see 605 homes built in Catshill - a direct result of the Government’s 85% increase in Bromsgrove District’s housebuilding target.
The Council must conduct a consultation. Failing to do so could see Whitehall civil servants take over – leaving the District Council out of the process completely – meaning no local democratic accountability.
Bromsgrove District is 89% greenbelt and 79% rural, but the Government has made the decision to reduce Birmingham’s target by 31% - despite the city having at least 140 hectares of brownfield land that could be built on.
As part of his ongoing work to save our greenbelt, Bradley has launched a parliamentary petition which has so far been signed by more 1,700 people.
The petition demands that the Government justifies the ‘flawed’ formula used to calculate the 85% increase in Bromsgrove’s housing target to rebalance the housing target so that Birmingham takes its fair share.
It also demands that the planned 85% increase in Bromsgrove District’s housing target is reversed, in addition to the reversal of the reduction in Birmingham’s housing target to ensure the burden is shared in a fair and proportionate way and only allow new houses to be built when the accompanying infrastructure is provided.
Bradley said:
“Thank you to Councillor Shirley Webb for inviting me down to Catshill Community Orchard to discuss residents' concerns with the draft Local Plan for housebuilding in Bromsgrove and the Villages.
“As a direct result of the Government's 85% increase in our housebuilding target, our precious greenbelt is under threat - including here in Catshill where 605 homes could be built.
“Residents have my full support in opposing proposals that will destroy our countryside, which aren’t designed to the highest standards and where there is no new supporting infrastructure.”
Councillor Shirley Webb added:
“Thank you to MP Bradley Thomas for visiting Catshill Community Orchards within Catshill Fields.
“It was a pleasure to welcome him back and offer residents the opportunity to speak with him directly about the vital importance of protecting our green spaces — not just for nature, but for the health, wellbeing, and connection of our community.
“These spaces play a crucial role in supporting mental wellbeing, encouraging community activity, and preserving the natural beauty of our area for future generations.
“We appreciate the time taken to listen to local voices and support the ongoing conversation around the future of Catshill’s green spaces.”
Residents can sign Bradley’s petition by clicking here.
