Old Caparo site up for sale in bid to bring new homes to Walsall

If they secure the green light from councillors, they can expect to get a price in the millions – however, no official price tag for the land is being disclosed.

The 16.5-acre site, accessed from Green Lane and Old Birchills Lane, has stood empty for years following the manufacturer’s decision to consolidate operations in Oldbury, with the factory being demolished between 2007 and 2009.

Harris Lamb is acting on behalf of the Law of Property Act Receivers, providing a consultancy service, including planning submission, viability reporting and sale.

An application for outline planning consent for up to 252 houses and apartments at the site was submitted last month, with a decision expected in June.

Affordable?

But the application is asking councillors not to impose any conditions on providing affordable housing on the site, saying it could affect the viability of the scheme.

Chris Jones, head of residential land for Harris Lamb, said: “We anticipate high levels of interest from developers for this plot.

“Located one mile away from Walsall town centre and its train station, 11 miles away from Birmingham city centre, and within easy reach of Junction 10 of the M6, the site benefits from superb access links.

“The site, which boasts an attractive setting bordered by Reedswood Park and the Essington and Wyrley Canal, has stood empty since the factory’s demolition, and these new plans represent a great opportunity to utilise the land, creating much-needed new homes and developing communities in a sought-after part of the West Midlands."

Councillor Tina Jukes welcomed the move to clean up the site, but added: “It’s really affordable housing that we need more of for these young kids.

“Social housing is what we really need. It’s not a very nice site so it would be a nicer area to look at.”

Harris Lamb is the sole agent for the Green Lane site.