Housing scheme at former Walsall offices should help tackle anti-social behaviour
A scheme to convert old housing offices in Walsall into a dozen new homes should help deter anti-social behaviour in the area, councillors have agreed.
Walsall Council planning committee members approved plans to demolish the old Beechdale Community Housing Association office on Stephenson Avenue to make way for 12 terraced properties.
The meeting, held on Thursday , heard that as well as providing much-needed homes that will be for ‘affordable rent’, the development could help tackle anti-social behaviour issues plaguing the area.
The building is currently boarded up and has been for some time since Beechdale Community Housing Association relocated to new offices.
George Warner, who represented applicants Taylor French Developments Ltd and Keystone Developments (LG) Limited at the meeting said there had been no objections to the scheme and they had worked closely with officers to ensure it complied.
Following the granting of approval, he said work could start very soon as funding and contracts are all in place.
Mr Warner said: “The proposal would make good use of this currently vacant brownfield site, providing much-needed housing and take away any potential anti-social behaviour issues associated with it.
“The scheme has Homes England grant funding and a developer and procurement contract is in place so the housing will be delivered promptly.
“Officers deem the design and layout acceptable and will make a positive contribution to the housing supply in Walsall.”
Ward councillor Tina Jukes, who also sits on planning committee added: “I think this is a really good thing to do in the area.
“It is what’s needed on the Beechdale – more housing. As stated, 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.”
Members granted permission for the development, subject to conditions being finalised by officers.
