Express & Star

Controversial University of Wolverhampton car park to go ahead in Walsall despite 500 complaints

A new university car park and road junction in Walsall are set to get the go-ahead - despite the controversial plans attracting more than 500 objections.

Published

The University of Wolverhampton want to create a new permanent 225 space and a new access point off the busy Broadway route at the Walsall campus.

But the scheme has seen scores of complaints including a 450-name petition and more than 50 letters of objections - amid concerns over traffic chaos and car lights shining into homes as they leave the site.

Members of Walsall Council's planning committee are being recommended to delegate the proposals to the head of planning to grant permission.

The permanent car park would replace a temporary overspill one and would see access from Magdalene Road closed off.

Instead a new traffic light controlled junction will be created on Broadway. A football pitch will be lost but the university will invest £120,000 for improved sports facilities to compensate for the loss.

Residents have spoken of their concerns.

Selma Joshi, aged 73, who lives on Broadway West, said: "Things are already bad enough but this will create even more problems.

"It is virtually impossible for us to turn right and get out of our drives.

"I've lived here for 32 years but if this goes ahead then I might to have leave.

"Who is going to want to live here if these traffic problems worsen? It will put down the value of our homes."

Another resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "The plans are ridiculous. This road has been dangerous for many years and is impossible to cross for pedestrians.

Another added: "The road is full of cars going in both directions. This new road will make it ten times worse."

A report to the planning committee, which meets tomorrow from head of planning David Elsworthy says:

"It is accepted that the new junction, whilst improving the existing situation for Broadway Park residents, will change traffic movements in front of those residents on Broadway.

"Residents opposite the junction are particularly concerned about headlights shining into their properties.

"There is limited risk of stationary head light glare, additionally the access road to the campus has a very small amount of traffic in the evenings."

Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.