Homes plan for site of old garages in Walsall Wood

Walsall Council’s planning committee will discuss Walsall Housing Group’s (WHG) proposed development that has been earmarked for Fereday Road, at a meeting on Thursday .

Demolition of the 19 lock-up garages has already taken place and WHG hopes to replace them with three terraced and two semi-detached homes.

The plans have met with some opposition from residents living nearby who have raised a number of concerns including the road not being able to handle traffic and the value of their own homes being affected.

But in their application, WHG said the proposals were appropriate because were compliant with surrounding uses and would “help meet the demand for three-bedroom affordable family homes identified for the area”.

Their original plans included a play area but this has been amended to remove that, with further changes being made to the rear access to the properties and the parking layout.

The new houses will be build using ‘advanced methods of construction’, which means the houses will be mostly built in a factory using pods and panels.

Planning officers are recommending to members that approval be granted to the scheme.

A report said: “The site comprises previously developed land situated in a well-established residential area, within walking distance of the local shops at Streets Corner local centre which is less than 500m from the site.

“Regular bus service are situated within walking distance of the site. The site is considered to be in a sustainable location.

“The principle of the provision of five further residential properties at the site is considered appropriate and in line with both national and local policies.”

It added: “Officers have spoken with the applicant’s agent and in response to concerns raised regarding the play area, gated access and parking, amended plans have been submitted which enable full support to be given to the scheme.”