Network Rail still considering Walsall sleeper factory appeal options
There has still been no decision from Network Rail on whether it will appeal the refusal of a controversial sleeper factory planned for the Black Country.
Residents have been kept waiting to find out what will happen next after successfully fighting proposals to build the factory at the Bescot sidings freight yard on the Wednesbury-Walsall border.
The scheme was thrown out by Sandwell Council planners in December over environmental concerns. Network Rail insisted the development, which would have seen 600,000 sleepers a year produced at the sidings, was crucial for the future of the UK rail network.
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However, four months on there is still no indication as to whether rail bosses will launch an appeal.
Network Rail said only that it was "still considering all options" when approached by the Express & Star.
It is unclear whether the current coronavirus crisis has delayed a decision, or whether the rail body is exploring alternative locations following the opposition in Walsall.
Officials said it would “bring millions of pounds to the local economy and support hundreds of jobs in the West Midlands” but there was a huge backlash from residents, whose complaints were supported by prominent politicians including Tom Watson and his successor as MP for West Bromwich East, Nicola Richards.
If an appeal was to be lodged, it would be decided by an independent planning inspector, potentially increasing the prospect of approval.
A separate plan from West Midlands Trains to build an electric train depot on the same site was revealed in January.
Those proposals are on another part of the vast site and the two are not in competition. It potentially means neighbours could be lumbered with both developments.
