Government Inspector Approves 115 Homes on Walsall Green Belt Despite Local Opposition
A government planning inspector has overruled Walsall Council's refusal of a 115-home development on the borough's green belt, granting outline permission for the controversial scheme. The decision follows a seven-day hearing held in December, where the applicant, William Davis Homes Ltd, appealed the council's rejection.
Council's Refusal and Public Objections
Walsall Council originally refused the plans on June 19, citing inappropriate development on the green belt, increased traffic concerns, and potential harm to wildlife habitats and trees. The refusal was supported by 235 members of the public, Walsall and Bloxwich MP Valerie Vaz, statutory consultees, and the council's own planning officers.
However, William Davis Homes Ltd appealed, arguing that none of the council's reasons had merit. The case was then reviewed by government planning inspector Tom Gilbert-Wooldridge during the December hearing.
Inspector's Findings and Decision
Inspector Gilbert-Wooldridge allowed the appeal, granting outline permission for the homes with all matters reserved except for access. He reviewed several critical issues, including:
- Biodiversity: The inspector found the proposal "would cause significant harm to biodiversity, species and habitats," including the Wood End Farm Site of Local Importance to National Conservation. He stated it had not been demonstrated that this harm could be avoided or minimized.
- Trees: While acknowledging an adverse effect on trees along the road frontage, he noted replacement planting would mitigate this in the longer term, and overall impact on other trees, including ancient or veteran specimens, would be acceptable.
- Highway Safety: Walsall Council raised concerns about the already congested Sutton Road and Longwood Lane junction. The inspector concluded that introducing a signalised junction would adequately mitigate these issues.
- Green Belt Development: Contrary to the council's stance, Gilbert-Wooldridge found the proposal "would not represent inappropriate development" on the green belt.
Housing Supply Weighs Heavily in Decision
In his final assessment, the inspector emphasized the housing supply shortfall as a key factor. He stated, "I afford very significant weight to the delivery of 115 dwellings, given the substantial shortfall in housing land supply."
He concluded, "The proposal would have an acceptable effect on highway safety and capacity and would not represent inappropriate development in the green belt. I conclude that the appeal should be allowed."
This decision highlights the ongoing tension between local planning authorities and national housing targets, particularly in green belt areas. The approval sets a precedent for future developments in Walsall and potentially across the Midlands, where similar conflicts between local objections and regional housing needs are likely to arise.
