St Phillips has submitted outline plans to build up to 160 homes on green belt land off Little Aston Road in Aldridge, with a third of the properties classed as affordable housing. The 7.8 hectare site, currently open horse paddocks with mature trees, borders the Aldridge Conservation area to the west, home to Grade II Listed Moot House and Old Rectory, and Grade II* Church of St Mary the Virgin.
Site Not Allocated in Local Plan
The site has not been allocated by Walsall Council as a potential housing site in the latest draft local borough plan. However, a 9.75 hectare site on the opposite side of Little Aston Road has been proposed by the authority as a potential location for 341 homes. Nearly half of the proposed development site is earmarked for open spaces, including a dedicated play area.
Community Response and Developer Justification
Leaflets were distributed to residents and nearby businesses ahead of the outline application. Over 130 comments were received regarding the impact on the green belt. St Phillips argues the proposals are acceptable because the site can be classified as grey belt due to housing need in the borough. More than 70 comments addressed impacts on local services, but the developer said any effects could be mitigated through Section 106 agreements.
St Phillips stated: “The vision for this site is to create a new residential community which maximises its unique, site-specific opportunities and reflects the best aspects of local character, such as village greens and formal development structures to create a locally distinctive design. The design seeks to promote healthy lifestyles for its residents through encouraging active travel, and promoting recreation and opportunities to engage with others within generous open spaces.”
