Protected tree sees homes plan for former Walsall storage yard rejected
A plan to turn a disused lorry storage yard in Walsall into new homes has been thrown out because of a protected tree.
Developer John Law wanted to build four properties on the land between Springfields and Daw End Lane in the Rushall area.
But planning officers at Walsall Council said the proposed development did not justify the loss of the protected tree, which is situated on the Daw End Lane side of the land.
In the application, agent Stephen Walsh said the three-bedroom semi-detached homes would be in keeping with houses already in the area and would enhance the area.
He said: “The site was used by the applicant for the storage of lorries when they ran a haulage company, which stopped trading approximately three years ago.
“The site is currently vacant and is generally overgrown with trees, many self-seeded, with hedges to Daw End Lane.
“The applicant has consulted with neighbours, with no objections in principle to the proposals.
“The site is within walking distance of local shops, amenities such as community centres, sports grounds and canal and there are bus routes nearby.
“The proposed dwellings would be in-keeping with the street scene and the development maximises the use of vacant urban land in a way which respects its surroundings.”
Walsall Council planning officer Devinder Matharu said: The proposal would result in the loss of protected tree towards the Daw End Lane frontage, which has demonstrable amenity value.
“There are no arboricultural reasons put forward to justify its removal and the addition of the house does not outweigh the harm to local amenities by the loss of the protected tree.”
