28 homes set to be built on old Walsall VW garage site

Walsall Council’s planning committee is expected to rubber-stamp an application to build 22 houses and six apartments on the old Johnson’s VW garage on Wolverhampton Road West.

A report going to committee next Thursday said the proposal, put forward by Central & Country (Willenhall) Ltd, would be 100 per cent affordable housing.

If approved, the houses will see 10 two-bedroom properties created, along with eight three-bedroom and four-four bedroom homes.

The apartments will be created in a two-storey block, each with one double bedroom.

The proposal attracted several objections from residents living nearby on Cumberland Road due to the new homes overlooking their properties as well as an increase in traffic.

But officers said the development would have minimal impact on the surrounding area and are recommending the scheme gets the go-ahead.

In the application, agents DJD Architects said: “The development will deliver affordable new homes suited to the local housing need in a highly sustainable and established residential area.

“The proposed plots are to be transferred to a registered provider, Platform Housing Group and 100 per cent are to be offered for affordable rent.

“The site is already served by local amenities and community facilities, as well as a bus services.”

The report to planning committee said: “It is considered that the proposed development would be laid out to respect and reflect the urban character of the area.

“The proposed buildings would be varied and interesting in appearance but with a strong thematic character and cohesive use of materials.

“There would be elements of landscaping within the scheme which would break up the parking and provide interest.

“The apartment block respects the scale of the area and has been sensitively designed, with an active frontage along Wolverhampton Road West.

“The proposed scheme would have an acceptable impact upon the amenity of existing neighbouring residents with the separation distances largely respected. There would be no overlooking or overbearing impact created.

“Planning conditions could mitigate against any construction impact or ongoing impact after the scheme has been constructed with regards to air quality or noise.

“The submitted technical information has confirmed that the additional highway impact would be acceptable.

“The amenity of future residents is considered, on balance, to be acceptable. The urban form provides for a positive high quality living environment, while internal spaces have been efficiently designed to provide good amenity.”