Landmark agreement signed to deliver more affordable homes in Walsall

Housing association whg and Walsall Council have signed a groundbreaking agreement to accelerate the delivery of new homes across Walsall, addressing the pressing need for affordable housing in the region

By contributor Katie Swann
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The agreement, known as a Planning Performance Agreement (PPA), aims to streamline the planning process, ensuring that high-quality, affordable homes are built efficiently and effectively.

This new agreement is already being utilized to expedite whg’s Small Sites Project, which is transforming disused garage sites into much-needed housing. Up to 500 disused garage sites have been identified for development, offering a creative solution to the housing shortage while making the most of underutilized land. The PPA has played a crucial role in speeding up this process, with at least 10 small sites already benefiting from the streamlined planning approach.

whg's Assistant Director of Special Projects John Bedford  and Councillor Adrian Andrew, Deputy Leader of Walsall Council in front of one of the sites to benefit.
whg's Assistant Director of Special Projects John Bedford and Councillor Adrian Andrew, Deputy Leader of Walsall Council in front of one of the sites to benefit. Picture: whg

Assistant Director of Special Projects John Bedford said: “The PPA demonstrates the trust the council has in our ability to deliver well-designed and high-performing homes, while also providing a robust framework that will accelerate our projects. 

"This partnership is a crucial step forward in our efforts to provide more affordable homes for the people of Walsall.”

Councillor Adrian Andrew, Deputy Leader of Walsall Council, said: “This is a great step forward in our partnership with whg, to deliver more quality local homes for local people.”