Walsall Council and housing developer ‘find a way forward’ in long-running dispute over Darlaston housing estate
Walsall Council and a housing developer have ‘found a way forward’ in a long-running dispute over a housing estate in Darlaston.
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The Wards Keep estate, comprising 205 homes built by Countryside Properties in 2022, has been the subject of a dispute over breaches of a Section 106 planning agreement.
The original agreement required a Management Plan that would hand control of the estate’s open spaces to residents through a management company.
However, a management arrangement was put in place that gave Countryside ultimate control over the open spaces, with the ability to impose unlimited charges and, in extreme cases, evict homeowners for non-payment.
In 2024, Walsall Council warned it was preparing to seek a High Court injunction against the housebuilder.
At the time, deputy leader and portfolio holder for regeneration, councillor Adrian Andrew, said that Countryside, which is part of the Vistry Group, had ‘consistently failed to remedy the situation’ and had ‘chosen not to co-operate’.
In an announcement this week, councillor Andrew said the authority was now close to reaching an agreement with the developer.
He said: “I’m glad we are close to reaching an agreement with Countryside Properties on what has been a difficult and convoluted issue. We are working towards a positive outcome.”
Michael Moore, managing director for North West Midlands at Countryside, said: “I’m delighted that we now have a way forward and are working closely with the council with a view to reaching a resolution.
“This is a very positive step. I hope this will reassure residents of our genuine commitment to resolving their concerns.
“We have a step-by-step plan and will be writing to homeowners very shortly to explain our approach in more detail.”
