400 Walsall homes given go ahead in derelict estate transformation
More than 400 homes will transform the derelict Goscote estate after plans were given the go-ahead - with work to begin next month.
Swathes of land in Blakenall will be transformed as part of the £50 million Walsall Housing Group development which will see 177 affordable homes and 235 private houses built.
The multi-million pound Goscote Lane regeneration development will be built on land off Shakespeare Crescent, Keats Road and Chaucer Road after councillors approved the final designs.
See also: MP lodges objection to Walsall luxury housing scheme.
The four-year project is the most significant development the housing group has undertaken but it has received objections from the Canal and River Trust which raised concerns over the impact it would have on the Wyrley and Essington Canal.
Bloxwich East councillor Julie Fitzpatrick said Friends of The Lea were concerned about the maintenance of an infiltration pool but added: "The homes are needed in the area as part of the regeneration. We just need to make sure we get the best for the people who live there already and the best for the new community in the future."
Bentley and Darlaston North councillor Angela Underhill said: "It is a wonderful development. It is great news for the area as we need housing and it is great that these plans will include both private and rented properties. I do want to see good quality housing which will not deteriorate over time and will hopefully not be built on top of one another."
Keepmoat are the developers behind the 235 private homes planned and Martyn Johnson, partnerships manager, said: "This is an exciting development and we are looking forward to getting started on the site.
See also: £240k to convert empty properties in Walsall.
"Our track record for delivering regeneration, not just through bricks and mortar but also by supporting communities and providing employment and training in the areas that we work means we are well placed to provide a sustainable and thriving neighbourhood for this part of Walsall."
Hundreds of homes were demolished in 2005 and another 280 properties pulled down in 2007 ahead of the plans.
The area became a regular target for arsonists and fly-tippers as swathes of eyesore and derelict land were left behind.
Police had even started accompanying firefighters on call-outs because they were being pelted with bricks by yobs.
