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Inspectors throw out Willenhall flats plan on appeal

A bid to build a 14-apartment complex on an industrial estate in Willenhall has been thrown out by government inspectors on appeal.

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The vacant industrial site in Gomer Street, Willenhall. Photo: Google

Developer Simon North had hoped to create the block on land in Gomer Street, which he said would have helped contribute to Walsall’s need for more housing.

Council planning officers recommended the scheme be refused because they felt the block would not fit in well with a predominantly industrial area and could result in ‘unreasonable restrictions’ being placed on businesses.

But Mr North lodged an appeal to the Government’s planning inspectorate on the grounds the council did not determine the application in a reasonable amount of time.

The application was originally put forward as an 18-flats development in August 2020 and was expected to be determined in November that year.

An extension was agreed until August 2021 but a final decision was not given.

In its statement of case, agent Hybrid said: “The provision of 14 additional dwellings would contribute to Walsall’s housing under-supply within the current five-year supply period.

“This is a material consideration, which carries significant weight in the determination of this appeal.

“The proposal represents an entirely deliverable, sustainable, and suitable development that will actively contribute to Walsall’s housing stock.

“The proposed development will be sustainably located, as an appropriate alternative site for housing, which benefits from a range of retail, health, schools and community facilities in its immediate vicinity.

“Whilst the site represents a sustainable location to accommodate the proposed development, with accessible local facilities; the proposal also seeks to deliver a highly quality, sustainable form of development, achieving economic, social and environmental benefits.”

But planning inspector Helen Smith upheld the council’s position and raised concerns about noise and odours for future residents which would be harmful to their living conditions.

She also said the development would have a negative impact on future industrial activities and potential expansions for existing companies.

“Although there would be some benefits to the proposal, these benefits would attract only limited weight and would not outweigh the harm identified," she said.

“The harm I have found arising from this proposal is so significant that the adverse impacts of granting permission would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits, when assessed against the policies and the framework taken as a whole.

“This provides a clear reason for refusing the development. Therefore, the proposal would not benefit from the presumption in favour of sustainable development in this instance.”

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