400-home Walsall plan gets the green light
Plans to build more than 400 homes in Walsall as part of a major regeneration scheme have been given the green light by planning chiefs - despite a lengthy debate.
Goscote Lodge Crescent in Pelsall will see 426 new homes built, with new roads and parking spaces created.
However, concerns were raised about highways access, pedestrian safety and public footpaths.
Severn Trent, who operate from a base next to the site, also spoke of fears that their transport would effect new residents.
A spokesman from the company said: "It will be neighbouring our treatment works that operate on a 24-hour basis.
"While we are keen to support projects such as this, this site is being used frequently by tankers. We fear that this will impact on residents and risk disturbance."
The site has been vacant for more than 10 years and has been a target for traveller encampments.
Of the 426 homes planned for Goscote Lodge Crescent, 312 will be for private sale, 74 for affordable rent and the remaining 40 will be wellbeing homes – helping those that want to stay in their own home but need support.
It comes as part of the Goscote Lane Corridor scheme.
Speaking at the planning committee meeting at Walsall Council House on Thursday night, Councillor Ann Young added: "This is a wonderful opportunity but I do have several issues that cause me great concern.
"There are safety issues such as the size of the footpaths that need to be addressed.
"Not long ago we found out that this road was the second unsafest in the borough and I need to know in my own mind that what we are doing is right.
"We need the highway issues sorted."
The development was approved subjecting to conditions, the section 106 agreement, amendments to access and public footpaths.
Graham Nolan, from Keepmoat homes who are behind the plans, said:" This application was submitted after key talks.
"We understand that Severn Trent have raised concerns but it is noted that the site did previously accommodate residential housing.
"We feel that this development is appropriate and in keeping with the planning principle.
"We welcome the recommendations and ask that it is approved."
Shawn Fleet, from Walsall planning, added: "These are concerns that us as officers have had to police.
"But all of these elements mentioned can be secured.
"This is a major development that is being driven by a regeneration issue for the borough.
"Therefore we want to welcome moving this forward."
