Anti-social behaviour-hit offices in Walsall to become houses

Walsall Council planning officers granted approval for the demolition of the former Beechdale Community Housing Association building and replace it with 12 affordable homes.

The proposal was discussed at a planning committee meeting in August, where it was told the site had been boarded up for some time and become a magnet for anti-social behaviour such as vandalism.

Members agreed the housing scheme put forward by applicants Taylor French Developments Ltd and Keystone Developments (LG) Limited would address problems and provide much needed homes.

But objections had been made by the Flood Authority due to a lack of a drainage strategy while other concerns were raised about noise.

Officers were asked to address these issues before granting permission and this was finally resolved with the approval decision notice being issued on Monday (November 30).

Careful

The houses will all be two-bedroomed with 15 car parking spaces allocated for the development.

At the meeting in August, the developer said Homes England grant funding had been secured for the scheme and work would start promptly once approval was granted.

In the application, agents RG&P Limited said: “This proposal for much needed affordable housing has been carefully considered to for in with the surrounding context.

“Careful consideration has been made to the design to positively enhance both the site and its surroundings, with detailing designed to a high standard.”

Ward councillor Tina Jukes, who also sits on planning committee, said: “I think this is a really good thing to do in the area.

“It is what’s needed on the Beechdale – more housing. The anti-social behaviour is quite bad near the shops so this is another reason for the development and I’m 100 per cent behind it.”