Express & Star

New Walsall Council leader will not rule out greenbelt use for housing

The new leader of Walsall Council has not ruled out using greenbelt land to build homes in the borough.

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Labour Councillor Sean Coughlan was responding to a question from Conservative Councillor Rose Martin, who wanted to know if greenbelt land would be protected.

Councillor Coughlan has been given the portfolio for housing and land for the West Midlands Combined Authority. He said he would do what would be 'best for the residents of the borough' and did not rule out future use of greenbelt land or brownfield sites.

Councillor Martin was quizzing Councillor Coughlan due to the fact that Walsall had met its housing target but Birmingham had not.

She raised concerns that in his new role Councillor Coughlan might give up some of Walsall's greenbelt land to help Birmingham out.

Speaking to the Express & Star after the meeting, Councillor Martin said: "As you know Walsall Council have met their target for house building but Birmingham have not, so they could put pressure on greenbelt in our areas.

"But we have got a lot of sites in Walsall that are brownfield so that we cannot build on them because we have of how contaminated they are. I was seeking assurances from the leader that he would look to address this so the brownfield sites could be used and greenbelt land would be protected.

"It was my suggestion that the contaminated land be cleared up to be used."

Speaking at the meeting, Councillor Coughlan responded to the questioning saying: "I will look at our strategy and do the best for residents of the borough.

"I will not make any commitment here on any piece of greenbelt land. I will just say I will do what is best for Walsall."

Asked if the comments concerned Councillor Martin, she said: "Yes they do because we must do something about these contaminated sites for the residents that live in close proximity."

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