Midlands 'most sought after' village set for a new housing estate and not everyone is happy

The village is one of the most sought-after places to live in England - and plans have been submitted to build new homes there

A Midlands village which was ranked the region's 'most sought after' residential location could be getting a new housing estate.

Wombourne, near Wolverhampton, was ranked the fifth most desired hotspot for homebuyers in England following a recent survey.

The village - considered one of the largest in Britain, with a population of 12,800 residents - came top of the region in the study carried out by GetAgent in 2022.

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Overall, Wombourne was placed fifth in the rankings, drawing level with Lyndhurst in Hampshire and beating the competition in places like Suffolk, Northumberland, and the West Riding of Yorkshire.

Researchers found there were 52,800 searches for homes in Wombourne each year - but only 46 properties were available - earning it a 'lust' score of 70.

However, Wombourne's housing stock could be set to increase after developer Bellway Homes lodged plans with South Staffordshire Council to build 41 homes - nine more than originally planned.

The properties have been earmarked for land off Orton Lane.

Developers say 31% of the properties would be affordable housing.

The proposed housing estate would also include bungalows to cater for Wombourne's "ageing population which is higher than the national average", according to planning documents.

Homes will also vary from two to five bedrooms under the planning proposals.

However, locals have objected to the planning application.

One resident wrote in the objection that Wombourne was "over-populated and under-resourced", claiming that the village spirit "evaporated" at a faster and faster rate.

They added: "Wombourne is already too large and needs to shrink, not grow, otherwise it will become yet another suburb of Wolverhampton (which no one in Wombourne wants to see)."

Another resident claimed the proposed site is "totally unsuitable" for building homes, adding: "The land in question is a vital wildlife corridor between Ladywell Wood and the South Staffordshire Railway Walk."

A third said: "The quality of life for the residents of Orton lane is already affected by the volume and speed of traffic."

They added more vehicles using this road would only "exacerbate the situation".

Developers said the proposed estate would provide "much needed affordable housing to help people onto the housing ladder".

South Staffordshire Council is yet to make a decision on the plans.