A campaigner has claimed that the developer behind a plan for 850 homes on Walsall's green belt has no intention of building a school on the site, despite a legal agreement requiring it. The revelation has sparked fresh controversy over the development, which has already faced strong opposition from local residents and community groups.
Campaigner's Allegations
John Mellor, a local campaigner and former councillor, said that the developer, Taylor Wimpey, has indicated it will not construct the primary school that was promised as part of the planning permission for the scheme. The development, known as the 'Bescot and Pleck' project, is located on green belt land near the M6 motorway. Mellor claimed that the company is relying on a clause in the Section 106 agreement that allows a review if it can prove the school is not viable.
“The developer has made it clear they do not intend to build the school. They are using a loophole in the legal agreement to avoid their responsibility,” Mellor said. “This is a betrayal of the community, who were promised that the development would include essential infrastructure.”
Planning Background
Walsall Council granted planning permission for the 850-home development in 2020, despite widespread objections. The approval was conditional on the developer providing a primary school, as well as other community facilities. The Section 106 agreement, a legal obligation tied to the planning permission, requires Taylor Wimpey to build the school before a certain number of homes are occupied.
However, Mellor said that the developer is now arguing that falling birth rates and changing demographics make the school unnecessary. He warned that if the school is not built, the area will face a shortage of school places, adding pressure to existing schools that are already oversubscribed.
Community Concerns
Residents have expressed anger over the situation, with many saying they were misled about the benefits of the development. Sarah Jenkins, a local parent, said: “We were told that this development would bring a new school, shops, and green spaces. Now it seems we are getting none of that. It feels like a con.”
The campaign group 'Save Our Green Belt' has called on Walsall Council to enforce the Section 106 agreement and ensure the school is built. A spokesperson said: “The council must hold the developer to account. If they fail to build the school, they should not be allowed to build any more homes.”
Developer's Response
Taylor Wimpey has not commented directly on the allegations but said in a statement that it is committed to delivering the development in line with the planning permission. “We are working closely with Walsall Council to ensure all obligations are met,” the statement said. “The school is part of the planning agreement, and we are reviewing the viability in line with the terms of the Section 106.”
The company has previously said that it will build the school when there is sufficient demand, but critics argue that this could mean the school is never built, as the developer can delay indefinitely.
Council's Position
Walsall Council has said it is monitoring the situation and will take action if the developer fails to comply with the planning conditions. A council spokesperson said: “We are aware of the concerns raised by the community. The Section 106 agreement includes mechanisms to ensure that infrastructure is delivered. We will continue to work with the developer to ensure that the school is built as agreed.”
However, Mellor said that the council has not been proactive enough and is allowing the developer to renege on its promises. “The council needs to step up and enforce the agreement, not just talk about it,” he said.
Impact on School Places
The development is expected to generate a significant number of children of primary school age. According to campaigners, the area already has a shortage of school places, with some parents having to travel several miles to find a place for their children. If the school is not built, the problem will worsen.
Local councillor Tom Ansell said: “This development was sold to us as a package that included a school. If the developer backs out, it will be a disaster for families in the area. We need the council to use every power it has to make sure the school is built.”
The controversy is likely to intensify as the development progresses, with more homes being built in the coming months. Campaigners have vowed to continue their fight to ensure the school is delivered.
