Revised plan for 400 new homes is set for approval
ANEW 400-home housing development in Walsall which was hit by delays is finally set to get off the ground.
Walsall Council’s planning committee was set to re-approve Walsall Housing Group’s application to build 407 homes on Goscote Lane at a meeting today (Thursday).
A £56 million 426-home scheme had originally been approved more than a year ago but the plans were changed when Walsall Housing Group decided to replace planned apartments in the scheme with bigger family houses.
Councillor Ian Robertson (Lab, Blakenall) said the development would be a welcome addition to the area as the site had become a target for fly-tippers.
The revised new application, which was submitted in July, will see 102 of the 407 homes allocated for social rent and 24 properties made available for affordable rent.
The remaining 281 units will be for private sale and built by developer Keepmoat Homes.
Head of Development, Mark Ramdehal, said: “This is the final phase of the borough’s biggest ever residential regeneration scheme, delivering more than 800 new energy efficient homes in North Walsall.
“These revised plans have seen us replace proposed one and two bedroom apartments with two, three and four bedroom houses, in recognition of the need for more affordable family homes within the region.
“Subject to planning permission, we aim to be on site in the new year, with the first homes completed by the end of 2019.”
Councillor Robertson added: “I very much welcome this scheme and contractors should be on site within the next two or three months.
“I am keen to see the work start as the site has suffered problems with anti-social behaviour and fly-tipping.
“There is a real need for this development. People are struggling to get affordable housing.”