Homes plan for old housing offices in Walsall put forward
Former offices belonging to a housing group are to be transformed into affordable homes in Willenhall.
Walsall Housing Group (whg) has put forward proposals to convert Beechwood House in New Road into 14 one and three bedroom apartments which will be available for rent.
The redevelopment is part of wider plans by the landlord to create more affordable housing across the borough to meet increasing demands.
Currently, whg is working on seven garage and small sites no longer in use which will see 20 three-bedroom houses created while planning applications have gone in to Walsall Council for the conversion of other sites.
In total, around 500 sites were identified that could see new housing built in the coming years.
Beechwood House closed at Christmas with all services previously based there now operating from whg’s main headquarters in Hatherton Street in Walsall.
If approved, whg said it is currently exploring energy efficiency measures for the scheme with the aim of achieving net zero carbon.
Lisa Wallis, corporate director of people and learning, said: “We are committed to always assessing our carbon footprint and environmental impact and use our workspaces in a way that is efficient and sustainable.
“After centralising all our operations at our Hatherton Street office, Beechwood House is no longer required and can be put to better use to support housing need within the borough.
“This is a really exciting opportunity for us to put our surplus corporate real estate to not only practical use but for us to create high social impact at the same time.
“Creating innovative, affordable homes will be good for the community, the environment and will help us achieve a carbon neutral footprint.”
Planning agents Baily Garner said: “The application is a carefully considered, high quality sustainable scheme tailored to its location The proposal will provide much needed housing to the area.
“Overall the scheme design takes into account the neighbouring context as well as the existing planning policy documents, providing a sustainable housing development, which provides a better use of the existing building.”
Walsall Council planning officers are anticipated to make a decision on the proposal next month.
