Major Housing Development Proposed for Historic Black Country Foundry Site
Significant plans have been lodged to transform a historic metal foundry site on the outskirts of Walsall town centre into a new residential community. The proposals, submitted for the former Chamberlin & Hill Castings premises on Chuckery Road, outline the creation of seventy new homes on this prominent brownfield location.
Detailed Breakdown of the Proposed Development
The application presents a mixed housing scheme designed to make efficient use of the 1.18 hectare site. The development would comprise:
- Fifteen apartments across two separate blocks, offering one and two bedroom configurations.
- Fifty-five houses, providing two and three bedroom family homes.
Infrastructure plans include the provision of ninety-eight parking spaces, with vehicle access proposed from both Lincoln Road and Beacon Street. A notable aspect of the application is its retrospective nature, acknowledging that demolition of some existing structures on the site occurred during the previous year.
Preserving the Site's Industrial Heritage
The development aims to retain a tangible connection to the location's long industrial past. Chamberlin & Hill Castings operated from The Chuckery site for over a hundred years before the company entered liquidation in 2024, following a sale and leaseback transaction completed in 2023.
In a move to honour this legacy, the planning documents specify that the distinctive three-metre-high boundary wall running along Beacon Street will be preserved and integrated into the new development. This feature will serve as a permanent reminder of the site's former use and character.
Next Steps in the Planning Process
The local planning authority has set a target decision date for April 2026, when the fate of this substantial proposal will be determined. The scheme represents a key example of brownfield regeneration in the Black Country, aiming to deliver much-needed housing while thoughtfully addressing the historical context of a former industrial landmark.
