This week in Walsall has seen a series of significant developments, ranging from a major planning proposal for NHS staff to a heated public inquiry over green belt land. The borough's news agenda has been dominated by debates over housing, education, and the cost of living for residents.
Historic Building and Housing Battles
A senior NHS doctor has put forward a plan to convert the historic Hatherton House on Lichfield Street into a 17-bedroom House of Multiple Occupation (HMO). The mid-19th Century building, located in a conservation area, would primarily house NHS staff. The application's agent contends that bringing the vacant heritage asset back into use would have a positive impact.
Meanwhile, a contentious public inquiry has begun into a refused application by William Davis Homes. The developer wants to build 115 houses on 6.75 hectares of green belt land off Longwood Lane. Arguing the site should be considered "grey belt," the developer claims Walsall Council is facing a "catastrophic failure" in meeting housing needs.
Education Row and Resident Concerns
The Department for Education (DfE) has robustly defended the planned £50 million Swift Academy free school project. This follows criticism from MP Valerie Vaz, who suggested the scheme "smacks of the covid VIP lane." The DfE confirmed Windsor Academy Trust won the bid through a "rigorous and well-established" process and stated a board Ms. Vaz referenced has no role in free school delivery.
In a separate issue affecting vulnerable residents, people living in the Woodall and Hamilton House tower blocks have been hit with a shock increase in their heating bills. Their social landlord, Walsall Housing Group (WHG), has quadrupled charges overnight after installing a central heat network and ending a subsidy. The move has caused outrage among residents, many of whom are pensioners.
Willenhall Masterplan Progress
Long-awaited demolition work for the "Locksmith's Quarter" phase of the Willenhall Masterplan is finally set to begin, albeit after another delay. Walsall Council has confirmed buildings will start to be torn down once sites are "prepared and made safe," pushing back an initial January 2025 start date. The council cited the necessary time for careful preparatory works, which include:
- Clearing existing debris from the sites.
- Disconnecting all utilities safely.
- Removing hazardous materials like asbestos.
This essential clearance must be completed before construction can start on the 107 new homes planned for the area.
