Historic Farmhouse Could Make Way for Major Affordable Housing Development
Walsall Council has received a planning application that could see a centuries-old farmhouse demolished and replaced with 81 new affordable homes. The proposal, submitted by Owl Partnerships Ltd, targets the Barns Farm site off Barns Lane in Rushall, within the Black Country region.
Site Details and Planning Status
The 2.5-hectare site is currently within the green belt and features a post-medieval farmstead, agricultural buildings, and farmland. However, agent Pegasus Group has confirmed that the location has been verified as grey belt in the November 2025 Walsall Green Belt Assessment. This classification, along with its allocation as a potential housing site in Walsall Council's latest draft local borough plan, supports the development principle.
Previously, the site was earmarked for a larger residential project under the now-withdrawn Black Country Plan.
Housing Mix and Infrastructure Plans
The proposed development includes a diverse mix of housing to address local needs:
- 16 one-bedroom maisonettes
- 36 two-bedroom houses
- 22 three-bedroom houses
- 7 four-bedroom houses
Access would be via the existing private track off Barns Lane, featuring a priority junction. The plans allocate 154 parking spaces across the site. Additionally, the proposal incorporates an area of open space with natural grassland, meandering mown paths, and new tree planting.
Addressing Housing Needs
Pegasus Group emphasized the development's alignment with local housing demands, stating: "The principle of development in this location is acceptable, with the site being grey belt. The site is well placed to help meet the overwhelming and severe unmet need for affordable housing within Walsall."
The application now awaits a decision from Walsall Council, balancing heritage conservation against the urgent requirement for affordable housing in the area.
