Andrew Mitchell joined local Councillors to speak to an audience of over 400 residents at Walmley St. John’s Church at a Newhall Ward meeting on opposition to plans for building on Sutton’s Green Belt. The meeting was chaired by the Conservative candidate for Newhall, Mr Ken Wood. Mr Mitchell made a strong argument against Birmingham City Council’s plans to build on sites within the Sutton Coldfield Green Belt. Concern was raised that the expected inward immigration figures were not as high as first estimated nor the perceived demand for housing. Mr Mitchell also emphasised the need to make better use of Brownfield land and talking to other communities that want to attract more housing development in the West Midlands. Mr Mitchell then addressed constituent concerns over the City Council’s plans in a question and answer session. Mr Mitchell said “I am pleased with the strong attendance this evening which sends a clear message to Birmingham City Council that Sutton Coldfield opposes these plans. Of course we accept the need for more homes but do not believe that Sutton’s Green Belt is the best place for them. Public concern on this issue is high, this campaign is at the forefront of all our minds’’. The meeting is the first of three public meetings taking place on the Green Belt which Mr Mitchell is due to attend. The next two take place on: Thursday 6 February, at 19.00 at All Saints Church, Bellwell Lane, Sutton Coldfield B74 4TR Friday 21 February, at 19.00 at St John’s Walmley, 4 Walmley Road B76 1QN