Homes plan for former Walsall copperworks set to be given green light
A housing scheme set to transform a vandal-plagued former Walsall copperworks is set to clear a final planning hurdle.
Walsall Council’s planning committee is expected to give approval to the 263-property development on the old Elkington Works and Cerro EMS site on Goscote Lane in Bloxwich.
The application, put forward by Taylor Wimpy, will see 133 three-bedroom houses, 75 four-bedroom, 44 two-bedroom and 12 one-bedroom apartments created, if the proposal is approved.
Elkington Copper Refiners stood on the site from 1865 until the early 1980s and, according to planning agents PRC group, Cerro EMS was on part of the land until 2008. It has stood empty ever since.
Ward councillor Matt Ward said millions had been spent decontaminating the site, which had also become a magnet for fly-tipping, graffiti and anti-social behaviour.
Plans for new houses were submitted more than two years ago but these were changed before being put forward again.
In November. council planning officers granted permission for the principle of the development as well as suggested road layouts.
At a meeting on Thursday, committee members will be asked to give full approval for the scheme to progress.
Representations to the council from local residents said they supported the area being redeveloped for housing, although some raised concerns over increased pressure of local services and potential noise and nuisance from a play area, which will be part of the scheme.
A report to committee said: “The principle of redevelopment for residential purposes has previously been accepted.
“The layout is practical and would create a positive environment for future occupiers without impacting negatively on the amenity of the surrounding area.
“The proposal would integrate into the surrounding urban fabric and not harm the character of the surrounding area.”
Councillor Ward said: “It’s a move in the right direction to get this site transformed.
“It’s been on the cards for a while, there has been so much money spent decontaminating it so I’d welcome bricks going down because it brings much needed housing to the area and clear up a complete derelict site.”
