Walsall councillors are set to determine the council's official stance on a contentious housing application for two five-bedroom homes on Barr Lakes Lane, more than a year after the planning committee initially approved it. The decision comes ahead of a government planning inspector appeal later this year, which will ultimately decide the fate of the green belt site within the Great Barr Conservation Area.
Background of the application
Applicant Shahzad Akram first submitted plans to build on the site over two years ago. Walsall Council's planning officers had recommended refusal, citing objections related to conservation, ecology, highways, planning policy, and trees. However, former councillor Saiqa Nasreen, who represented a ward on the opposite side of the borough at the time, disagreed with the officers' refusal, bringing the application before the planning committee.
At the planning meeting on June 19, 2023, the council's principal solicitor warned that approving the plans would put the authority in a 'vulnerable position'. Despite this warning, committee members voted to approve the application.
Criticism and legal challenge
The decision drew heavy criticism from councillors and community groups. One local resident, who described the committee meeting as a 'pantomime', challenged the approval with a judicial review. The resident's description highlighted the controversial nature of the proceedings.
Walsall Council later confirmed that the approval was subject to the submission of specified further information, agreement of planning conditions, and completion of a Section 106 obligation. However, more than 12 months after the committee's approval, Mr Akram submitted an appeal to the planning inspector on grounds of non-determination, meaning a formal decision was never issued by the council.
Committee changes and upcoming decision
Many of the committee members who originally voted on the Barr Lakes Lane application are no longer serving, due to local elections in May 2026 and recommendations from a critical report by the Planning Advisory Service last year. These changes could influence the outcome of Thursday's meeting.
Councillors will meet on Thursday, July 30, to decide the council's position ahead of the appeal. All submissions for the appeal are due before August 11. The planning inspector's decision will be final.
