More homes are set to be built on a Cradley Heath estate affected by landslides after a government planning inspector overturned Sandwell Council’s rejection.
Dunedin Homes sought to add six new houses to their existing 53-home development off Halesowen Road, originally completed in 2020. However, Sandwell Council blocked the proposal last year, citing concerns over potential loss of privacy for residents and overlooking issues.
The estate has experienced significant problems, including multiple landslides that created a large mound of soil blocking Haden Cross Drive and leaving several homes cut off.
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Challenging the council’s decision, Dunedin Homes lodged an appeal with the government’s planning inspectorate. Inspector David Kay reviewed the case and concluded the additional homes would not cause overlooking or privacy harms to existing or future residents.
In his detailed report, Kay stated: “I have found the proposal would not harm the character or appearance of the surrounding area, would not harm the privacy or outlook for occupants of adjacent properties, and would not harm the habitat or ecological value of the site of local importance to nature conservation (SLINC) or local nature reserve (LNR) as locally designated areas of nature conservation.”
The approved three- and four-bedroom houses will occupy land previously used as a storage yard and haulage road during the estate’s construction. This plot is approximately 150 metres away from Haden Cross Drive, where previous landslides caused disruption.
Prior to the council’s 2025 ruling, the application drew 30 objections related to privacy, design, and environmental concerns. Planners had criticized the proposed layout as “cramped and poorly designed,” warning the new homes would be “overly dominant and overbearing.” They also contended that the plan insufficiently accounted for the nearby nature reserve, wildlife corridor, and conservation sites.
The landslip issues in the area began two years ago when a tree fell in adjacent woods, followed by heavy rains that worsened conditions. The resulting earth mound ultimately blocked the road during the run-up to Christmas, effectively cutting off residents from their driveways.
Despite the council’s reservations and residents’ concerns, the government inspector’s decision means construction of the new homes will proceed, addressing housing demands while aiming to safeguard community and environmental interests.