Homes plan for Walsall wasteland known for fly-tipping and drugs finally gets go-ahead
Plans to build more than 30 homes on wasteland in Walsall which has become a magnet for drugs and fly-tipping can finally go ahead.
Keon Homes will create the new development – consisting of houses and apartments on the site off Canalside Close, which sits next to the Wyrley and Essington Canal in the Blakenall area.
The scheme was unanimously backed by Walsall Council’s planning committee back in July subject to a number of conditions, some of which were put forward in response to concerns raised by highways and the Canal and River Trust.
But planning officers are now satisfied the conditions are being met and the development can progress.
The scheme will see three two-bedroom and 12 three-bedroom houses built on site along with nine one-bed and nine two-bedroom apartments.
Head of planning Alison Ives said: “Walsall Council seeks to work pro-actively 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.”
When the item went to committee, former Blakenall ward councillor Ian Robertson backed the plans and said: “Fully support – the area is a site for fly tipping and drug trafficking.”
Agents Umaa Architecture Limited said: “The design is driven by the key aspiration of creating a development that will be an asset to the area, developing a neglected and overgrown site for a residential use, enhancing the existing streetscape and developing a new residential setting, and complimenting the nearby context with a sensitive and well-detailed contemporary design.
“The applicants wish to develop the site in a way that will be well suited to its context (in an area of developing residential character) and in a way which will make a positive impact to the area in line with the allocated residential use.
“The proposal seeks to utilise the potential of the site and provide much needed high quality homes for the surrounding area and wider neighbourhood.
“Keon Homes, are an experienced housing developer and are partnered with a housing association to deliver this site as an affordable scheme.”
