A WOODLAND could be planted in Dickens Heath under plans proposed by councillors.
Council officers have been told by borough leader Councillor Ian Courts to consult with Shirley residents about the new park,
Solihull Council Leader, Coun Ian Courts, has requested officers establish a new public open space around Dickens Heath and Shirley and has asked them to work with local residents to ensure the new public open space meets their needs.
The site being considered formed part of allocation 13 in the former draft local development plan but was withdrawn from the draft plan last year.
Coun Courts said: “A large part of that site is owned by the local authority and I have asked officers to work towards a plan we can share with local residents to create a public open space that increases biodiversity and establishes a valuable place in the local area for families and residents to enjoy.”
Local ward councillor Ken Hawkins said: “A lot of work has been done to secure this land for public use. As well as protecting this land we will work with the local communities and I envisage a range of options including substantial numbers of trees planting and woodland footpath. This is a truly exciting project.”
Coun Courts added: “This site has the potential to make a sizeable impact on our climate change agenda. Once trees mature they can absorb substantial amounts of carbon as well as helping to protect urban areas from flooding and pollution.”
Shirley councillor Karen Grinsell also welcomed the move, saying how important it was that they establish such a community asset for the Shirley area.
