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New homes lined up for old Walsall factory site

New plans have been put forward for 15 homes at the old site of a derelict former factory.

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An aerial view of the former British Lion Works site in Forest Lane, Walsall, where 15 new homes are planned

Walsall Council planners are considering a scheme that would see a housing development built at the site of the old British Lion Works in Forest Lane, Walsall.

It would bring together a long running saga that has seen a series of plans submitted for the site in recent years.

The plot was initially considered for homes in June 2018 but the plans were amended to address parking issues that had been raised.

It went back before the authority’s planning committee in February 2019 where it was approved subject to a section 106 agreement being completed to ensure the nearby canal boundary was maintained.

Then after negotiations with the developers in December 2019, officers granted approval for a development of 16 homes.

However, the scheme was never brought forward and has now been revised.

The derelict factory – which was empty for more than a decade and sits next to the Wyrley and Essington Canal – was bulldozed after the last scheme was given the go ahead.

The new plans will see 15 homes built.

A design and access statement says the homes will be mainly semi-detached, with some two-storey and others three-storey.

It adds: "Parking generally is for two dedicated spaces per dwelling. Some garages are included."

Plans for four-storey buildings under the previous scheme have been scrapped, it says, as such a development would not be "commercially viable".

A proposed timetable of works suggests demolition work could take place between September and February, with all work to take place between 7am and 7pm.

Previous proposals were put forward by developer Luke Enterprises.

Planning officers have previously said they believed development would revitalise what is a vacant industrial site and improve the area for residents living nearby.

They also noted that the area has previously been earmarked for apartments.

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