We, the undersigned residents and supporters of the local community, object to the proposed planning application fordevelopment at High Hill, Essington. 
 
 Essington is a semi-rural village in need of protection. We ask South Staffordshire Council Planning Authority to refuse this application because we believe it would: 

• Result in inappropriate development of green space/ green belt, contrary to national and local planning policies. 
• Cause the permanent loss of open, green space that contributes to the character of our community. 
• Increase traffic congestion and road safety concerns on an already incredibly busy, poorly maintained road. 
• Present even greater risk of flooding, owing to the fact that despite the drainage offered by the field, both bottom and top of the hill regularly experience flooding issues. House building would exacerbate the problem further. 
• Place additional pressure on local infrastructure, including schools, GP services and public amenities.  Harm local wildlife, biodiversity and established habitats —for example, the field acts as a natural buffer zone for protected species such as bat colonies and owls. 
• Negatively affect the landscape and openness of the green belt 
• Fail to deliver benefits that clearly outweigh the harm caused —for example, as what happened with the more recently built estate - The Steadings — which failed to deliver on amenities and left the main arterial road in disrepair. 

 We respectfully request that the planning authority gives full consideration to these concerns and refuses planning permission. 
 
 By signing this petition, we support the protection of our local Green Belt and ask the Council to safeguard this land for current and future generation