Decision reached on controversial plans for 115 homes on Walsall greenbelt land which attracted hundreds of objections
Hundreds of objections were made for the plans to build 115 homes on greenbelt land in Walsall
Walsall Council’s planning committee has rejected plans to build 115 homes off Longwood Lane.
The controversial plans lodged by William Davis Homes Ltd led to 235 objections, including one from MP Valerie Vaz.
Objectors raised concerns over impact on the green belt, flooding, noise and pollution, traffic and access, and pressure on local services.
Walsall Council’s planning officers recommended that the application be refused, on the grounds that it would be an inappropriate development on the green belt, concerns over increased traffic, as well as issues around wildlife habitats and trees.
Two speakers were in attendance at the meeting on June 19, Mr Onions supporting the application and Dr Macmillan against.
Dr Mcmillan argued that brownfield sites should be used first for housing developments, even suggesting that a few homes could be built on the former police station in Walsall, now a pile of rubble.
Mr Onions, who was speaking on behalf of the applicant, argued that the 6.7 hectare site in question was ‘grey belt’, that the already congested Sutton Road junction would be ‘no worse off’ with 115 new homes, and that there were no ancient trees on site.
Elected members, council officers and consultees disagreed.
The plans were rejected and members also voted unanimously to submit an application to recover costs should the applicant appeal the decision.
