Homes plan for fly-tipped derelict Darlaston land can finally go-ahead
A bid to redevelop a fly-tip plagued former Darlaston school site will go ahead after plans were finally given the go-ahead.
Planning officers have rubber-stamped a proposal to build 35 new homes on the former Kings Hill JMI School site on Joynson Street, at the junction of Old Park Road.
The scheme was backed by councillors on planning committee almost a year ago and the decision was delegated to officers to approve subject to conditions being finalised and outstanding issues being addressed.
This has now been agreed and the decision was confirmed on the council’s planning portal this week.
The proposal, put forward by developer Sarwan Samrai, will see the building of 29 flats, four new houses and an existing property converted into two more apartments.
A total of 48 parking spaces and a bin store, private gardens and landscaping will also be created as part of the development.
After the school was closed, it was subject to a suspected arson attack in 1992 and this led to its eventual demolition.
The site has lain empty for more than two decades and become a magnet for fly-tippers and anti-social behaviour.
When the plan went before committee, Darlaston South councillor Paul Bott said: “I welcome this development, it is long overdue.
“This site has been fly-tipped for years and years and years and has been a blight on King’s Hill for many years. I thank the (developers) for taking the initiative to build on this site.”
In their application, planning agent Design Studio Architects said: “We believe that the proposed development will provide not only an attractive appearance but also a better use of site, more housing and car park spaces, while retaining the valuable historical building on site.
“It will contribute to the promotion of sustainability and deliver a new high quality development to Walsall.”
