Walsall Council slams ‘shocking’ decision to allow 115 homes on green belt
The deputy leader of Walsall Council said a recent planning approval of 115 homes on Walsall’s green belt is ‘totally against the wishes of local people’.
Councillor Adrian Andrew said the borough’s green belt is ‘under significant threat’ following the latest appeal decision by the government to approve the development on Longwood Lane.
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Walsall Council originally refused the plans on June 19, 2025, on the grounds of inappropriate development on the green belt, concerns over increased traffic, as well as issues around wildlife habitats and trees.
Objections were received by 235 members of the public, Walsall and Bloxwich MP Valerie Vaz, statutory consultees and Walsall Council’s planning officers.
But applicant William Davis Homes Ltd appealed the refusal to the planning inspector, claiming that none of the reasons had any merit.
David Dodge, operations director for the company, said the site accords with the definition of ‘grey belt’ and the development responds to the council’s housing supply shortage.
He said: “As an SME, we do not enter into costly planning appeals lightly.
“However, we are increasingly finding that appeals are the only viable route to address fundamental issues that are delaying the delivery of much-needed homes and the essential infrastructure that supports them.”
“Since submitting our proposals for 115 homes, we have always maintained that we consider the land in question accords with the definition of grey belt.
“Our application was submitted in the context of Walsall Council maintaining less than a two-year housing land supply against a national requirement of five years.
“Following the inspector’s ruling, we look forward to building a development of quality new homes, including 46 much-needed affordable houses and bungalows, to help meet local need for housing.
“The development will provide a 10 per cent net gain in biodiversity and funding to improve local schools, healthcare, recreation and access to public transport.”
Councillor Andrew said: “It is a shocking decision by the planning inspectorate and totally against the wishes of the Council and importantly local people.
“We are seeing time and time again our greenbelt is under significant threat from this government, and we are witnessing planning by appeal.
“Walsall Council will continue to fight applications on the Greenbelt.”
