A STALWART campaigner who has defended Halesowen's countryside against multiple threats over four decades is "devastated" at the new Government's agenda to build homes on the greenbelt.

Mike Freer, of Save Halesowen's Countryside, said he almost threw in the towel just before the General Election after Keir Starmer unveiled plans for building on lower quality greenbelt.

Labour said it wants to see 1.5 million new homes built in the next five years to address a "housing emergency."

Under new rules councils will be required to prioritise building on brownfield sites and poor-quality areas in the greenbelt, dubbed "grey belt".

Mick said: "When Keir Starmer said he would overrule local opposition and build houses in the greenbelt it devastated me.

"The quality of greenbelt doesn't matter - it doesn't have to be an area of outstanding beauty - it's designed to stop encroachment into the countryside.

"The main greenbelt concept came in in the 1950s and it's been the most successful planning policy of all time."

Halesowen MP Alex Ballinger said the Clent Hills and surrounding area have been ruled out for development and added: "This system will be brownfield-first.

"After that we'll prioritise low-quality grey belt land, including disused car parks and wasteland, and set tough new conditions for releasing the land."

Mick started Save Halesowen's Countryside in 2015 to share information online when Dudley Council unveiled plans for a 260-acre enterprise zone on historic greenbelt at The Abbey site in Iley, between the M5 at junction 3 and Manor Way.

The grandfather said his battle had taken a huge toll on his health over the decades.

He said: "I'm quite an elderly man now, I'm not far off 80 and I'm suffering from health issues. I had a heart attack not long ago.

"We've been quite successful to date but it's a battle that takes its toll.

"I desperately love Halesowen - it's been a lifetime thing for me looking after the environment.

"The pressure is relentless and the election brought out the worst in people, but I thought Mick you can't leave this, you have got to carry on the fight.

"The threat is immense and I can't run away."

(Image: Mick Freer in the early 1980s erecting a stile and sign on an obstructed footpath)

As honourary secretary of Hales Owen Abbey Trust Mick has overseen the planting of over 10,000 trees and the opening up of miles of access routes.

The trust also rebuilt the bridge over the No. 2 canal, which was demolished in WW2, in 1993 and purchased Leasowes Walled Garden, which it is currently restoring.

Mick said: "We work to give the people of Halesowen and the wider community an environment to be proud of.

"People need houses, but they also need a quality environment and access to the countryside on their doorstep."

Halesowen MP Alex Ballinger said: "The Conservatives have saddled the country with a chronic shortage of homes, and housing is increasingly unaffordable for first-time buyers.

"Labour has a plan to get Britain building again by introducing a better system, that builds homes local people can afford, delivers new infrastructure and improves green spaces.

"This system will be brownfield-first.

"After that we'll prioritise low-quality grey belt land, including disused car parks and wasteland, and set tough new conditions for releasing the land.

"Pristine natural land such as the Clent Hills and the surrounding area have been ruled out for development, and residents should be reassured these plans will not affect the green fields around Halesowen."