Boost for regeneration scheme as plans for hundreds of homes given green light
Walsall’s biggest ever regeneration scheme is one step nearer to completion after plans for hundreds of new homes were given the green light by council bosses.
The planning application by Midlands landlord whg for 407 houses on land at Goscote Lane was approved by planners last week.
The £56m development forms the third and final phase of the ambitious Goscote Lane Corridor regeneration programme, the largest building scheme of its kind in the borough. Once completed, the scheme will have delivered more than 800 homes to North Walsall.
The third phase will see a mix of houses built by Keepmoat Homes; 281 for private sale and 126 for social and affordable rent.
Gary Fulford, whg’s group chief executive, said: “We’re delighted that we have obtained planning consent and that work can now start on building more affordable homes for families in Walsall.
“The development of this site will not only regenerate this area of North Walsall into somewhere people are proud to live, but will also create a number of jobs for local people during the construction phase.”
The regeneration project started with phase 1 in 2014, when 29 family homes were built. Work started on a further 412 on the former Poets Estate in 2015. Known as Waters Keep, the second phase provided 177 homes for affordable rent and 235 for open market sale.
Partners for the Goscote Lane Corridor regeneration programme include Walsall Council, the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership (BCLEP) and Homes England. It has also been supported by the Government’s Local Growth Fund.
Shaun Fielding, regional managing director at Keepmoat Homes, said: “We’re delighted to have received planning permission and to be working in partnership with WHG, Walsall Council and the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership to deliver the final phase of this ambitious regeneration scheme.
“Since work started on this project, we’ve delivered over 650 much needed new homes to the area as well as created 12 apprenticeship and key business opportunities with our local supply chain partners.
“This planning approval marks a key milestone for the project and is a strong indicator of our continued housing investment across the Midlands and our approach to partnership working. We are now focused on preparing to start on site in the New Year and working with local organisations and the community to create opportunities for education and training.”
Ninder Johal, Black Country LEP board member, added: “This is great news for Walsall and also the Black Country as a whole. The Black Country LEP are delighted to be supporting Goscote Lane Corridor regeneration programme which is changing the face of the area and creating affordable homes for families.
“This is another clear demonstration of the positive impact the Local Growth Deal is having across the Black Country.”
Work is due to start in the New Year, with the first homes completed by the end of 2019.
