Cookley residents fear Gypsy site would devalue homes - Kidderminster

OBJECTORS to a Gypsy site proposed in Cookley have spoken of their fears of losing 30 per cent of the value of their homes if plans go ahead. Other concerns raised at a public meeting at Cookley Village Hall included the dangers the site posed for children and the over-subscription of the school and surgery. Nearly 200 people turned out to Wyre Forest District Council’s consultation meeting, led by Mike Parker, the council’s director of planning and regulatory services. Gill Hill, spokeswoman for the Cookley action group said: “The council’s proposal blights the value of our properties for the next 10 to 12 years, not just this year. The devaluation of our houses can amount to up to 30 per cent of the value. For example, on a £200,000 house this would be a £60,000 loss.” Ms Hill described the site as having a large number of empty dilapidated 1950s buildings as well as underground ducts and tunnels for water, gas and electricity, which are lagged with damaged asbestos.