Plans for two Walsall railway stations set for approval by council chiefs at last
Ambitious plans to bring back railway services to two parts of Walsall for the first time in more than 50 years are expected to pass a major milestone next week.
Walsall Council’s planning committee will meet on Thursday to discuss West Midlands Combined Authority’s applications for brand new facilities in Darlaston and Willenhall.
And members are being recommended to give the green light to the applications, subject to conditions to be arranged with planning officers.
The original stations in both Darlaston and Willenhall closed in 1965 and the lines have only been used by through trains ever since.
Regeneration bosses have hailed the proposals saying they were a major part of long term plans to revitalise the area and boost the local economy.
The facility in Darlaston will be built on the former A B Waste Management site in Cemetery Road and will see the construction of a new station, two platforms, a footbridge, steps and a lift as well as furniture and landscaping.
A 300-space car park will also be built on the site with electric charging facilities.
In Willenhall, old industrial buildings on Bilston Street/Rose Hill will be demolished to make way for the station, two platforms, footbridge and access facilities.
A car park for up to 33 vehicles will also be created and improvements carried out to pedestrian crossing facilities in Bilston Street.
Earlier this year, bosses said two new hourly services will call at the stations once they have been opened.
Committee
One will be a direct Walsall to Wolverhampton route while the other will be a Wolverhampton to Birmingham service, calling at the existing Tame Bridge Parkway station as well as Darlaston and Willenhall.
A report to committee said six letters of objection had been received from residents regarding the Darlaston application with people worried about parking issues and an increase in litter in the area.
For the Willenhall plan, two residents' letters were received raising concerns about issues including parking in the area, narrowing of the bridge and a lack of consultation with residents.
But the report also states that letters of support were sent in for each station, with residents saying it will be a boost for the area.
When the plans were announced, Walsall Council deputy leader Adrian Andrew said: "This is great news for Walsall businesses and residents and provides the connectivity we need to support and develop our local economy especially Willenhall and Darlaston."
