Walsall Council is urging residents to participate in a crucial consultation on its new local plan, a document that will shape future housing development across the borough. This comes as seven major projects totalling more than 2,300 homes are proposed for various green belt sites.
The Race Against the Planning Deadline
The council has drafted the plan in response to a government directive to meet housing targets. All local authorities must submit their local plans by December 2026. Failure to do so will result in the government's planning inspectorate imposing its own plan for Walsall, stripping local control over where and how development happens.
Councillor Adrian Andrew, Deputy Leader of Walsall Council, has explicitly stated that the borough's green belt is at risk and is encouraging residents to make their voices heard. A council spokesperson emphasised that having an up-to-date local plan is vital for protecting the environment and guiding the right kind of growth.
Seven Key Green Belt Housing Developments
Here is a detailed look at the seven significant housing projects currently in the pipeline, all located on land currently designated as green belt.
Queslett Road, Pheasey: Developers IM Land and Walton Homes are conducting a public consultation for a new 'neighbourhood' of 850 homes. This site in the Great Barr Conservation Area is included in the draft local plan for housing.
Bosty Lane, Aldridge: Wain Estate Limited hopes to build 650 homes on a 41.5-acre green belt plot. The plans include a neighbourhood centre and public open space. The developer has submitted an Environmental Impact Assessment.
Longwood Lane, Aldridge: Applicant William David Homes submitted plans for 115 houses last year. Walsall Council's planning committee refused the application in June 2025, but the applicant has appealed. A planning inquiry is set to start on 2 December 2025.
Chester Road, Streetly: Developer St Philips has submitted outline plans for up to 200 homes. The site has been put forward by the council, and agents Savills have argued the land meets the criteria for 'grey belt'.
Stonnall Road, Aldridge: Avison Young is currently in a public consultation period for 355 new homes. This land was previously put forward in the discarded Black Country Local Plan and is again proposed for development in the new draft.
Vernon Way, Bloxwich: Walsall Council itself has submitted outline planning permission to develop the former Sneyd Community School for 73 homes. A decision on the application, submitted over 18 months ago, is still pending.
Greenwood Road, Aldridge: Wain Estates is proposing 60 homes on this site. Unlike the others, this land has not been put forward by Walsall Council in the latest draft local plan, and no formal planning application has been submitted.
Your Chance to Influence Walsall's Future
The public consultation on Walsall's draft local plan represents a critical opportunity for residents to influence how their borough develops. The council has warned that without a ratified plan, it risks losing control over vital planning decisions and missing out on regeneration and investment.
The consultation period closes on Friday, 19 December 2025. Residents are strongly encouraged to review the documents and submit their feedback to ensure local views are considered in the final plan that will guide Walsall's future for years to come.
