MORE than 400 concerned residents packed into a meeting held to discuss how to protect Halesowen's green belt against the threat of thousands of new homes - with a protest walk now planned.

It was standing room only with people queuing out of the door at Earls High on Friday (September 20) at the meeting organised by Halesowen and Rowley Regis MP James Morris and Save Halesowen's Countryside group.

It delivered a strong 'hands off our green belt' message to potential developers and was held after St Modwen submitted its vision for up to 1,130 homes on Tack Farm off Manor Way to Dudley Council.

The proposal was one of more than 150 schemes submitted to the council as part of The Black Country Plan's call for sites for potential development.

Save Halesowen's Countryside, which has a Facebook page, is staging a protest walk to Tack Farm on Saturday October 12 - to again demonstrate public opposition to development on green belt.

Mick Freer of Save Halesowen's Countryside said of the meeting: "The turnout was incredible.

"It shows the strength of feeling.

"People are understandably upset at the extent of the threat because they value the wonderful green belt and because the threat is needless."

James Morris MP said: "Thank you to everyone who came to the public meeting last week.

"We had a fantastic turnout which demonstrated the strong feeling that there is locally against any proposals to build on our precious greenbelt.

"Mick and I will be feeding back this strong sign of resistance to Dudley Council and continue to keep everyone updated as the campaign to protect our green belt steps up over the coming months."

The 3.5 mile protest ramble starts at 10am from the bottom of Dog Kennel Lane next to the bridge over the Stour and will be lead by Roy Burgess.

People can bring placards and are advised to wear sensible footwear and clothing. Historical areas of interest will be pointed out along the way. Dogs are welcome, but should be kept on a lead.

Other proposals include 1,500 houses on Foxcote Farm on Oldnall Road in Wollescote, 400 homes at Lapal Farm and 60 homes at Grange Hill and 400 houses on agricultural land on Clent View Road, Norton.