Homes plan for disused Willenhall garages
Derelict eyesore garages in Willenhall will be torn down and replaced with two semi-detached homes after a housing group’s plans were given the go-ahead.
Walsall Council’s planners have approved Walsall Housing Group’s (WHG) proposal to demolish the disused garages in Essington Lane.
In their place will be two, energy efficient semi-detached properties which WHG said will help increase housing availability in the area.
In their application, architects Northmill said: “Walsall Housing Group is a not-for-profit, affordable housing provider, responsible for 21,000 homes primarily in the borough of Walsall.
“They are committed to providing excellent, affordable homes to meet the needs of the local community.
“This application is part of the applicant’s initiative to increase development output through modern methods of construction in order to sustainably meet the growing demand for housing in the borough.
“The developments are designed to increase the housing availability in Walsall whilst transforming redundant ‘infill’ sites which are now disused and have fallen into disrepair.
“When completed the development will provide sustainable homes which meet the needs of the local community; provide energy efficient homes with reduced running costs; provide accessible and adaptable accommodation and be a ‘good neighbour’ to surrounding residents and improve visual quality of the neighbourhood.”
It also said the houses would help meet demand for three-bedroom affordable family homes and fit in with the existing properties in the area and pose no negative impact on neighbouring properties.
The report added: “The scheme will transform and underutilised ‘brownfield’ site and improve the appearance of the area.”
Steve Pretty, Walsall Council’s head of planning, said: “Walsall Council seeks to work proactively with owners, developers and their agents in the public interest to promote sustainable developments in the borough.
“The National Planning Policy Framework encourages pre-application discussion in all formats to help ensure that proposed developments are delivered in the most appropriate way that creates economic growth, suitable housing and other forms of development so long as they safeguard the natural and built environment, highway safety and the amenity of citizens.
“In this instance the council has been able to support the proposed development and has worked with the applicant as detailed in the planning report.”
