A major public inquiry into controversial plans to build up to 115 houses on green belt land in Walsall has officially commenced this week.
Battle Lines Drawn Over Green Belt Definition
The seven-day hearing centres on an appeal by developer William Davis Homes. The company is challenging a unanimous decision by Walsall Council's planning committee, which refused their outline application for the 6.75-hectare site off Longwood Lane on 6th December 2025.
A key issue under examination is whether the land should be considered protected green belt or a less restricted 'grey belt'. Representing the developer, Satnam Choongh argued the site does not strongly contribute to the green belt's purposes and its development would not cause the loss of irreplaceable habitat.
'Catastrophic Failure' Allegation and Housing Shortfall
Mr. Choongh launched a fierce critique of Walsall Council's housing record. He claimed the authority is heading for a 'catastrophic failure' in providing enough homes, pointing out that its housing supply performance is worse than all but five other local authorities in England.
On ecology, the developer's team suggested the site's biodiversity is in decline and that a managed housing scheme could fund a beneficial maintenance strategy to improve its ecological status.
Council and Community Voice Strong Opposition
Presenting the council's case, Ashley Bowes insisted the land is definitively within the green belt and is therefore an inappropriate location for development. He warned that building there would harm countryside protection and reduce the strategic gap between Aldridge and Walsall by approximately 15 per cent.
Dr. Bowes also raised significant highway safety concerns. He predicted queuing on the southbound carriageway would persist despite mitigation, potentially forcing new residents to make dangerous manoeuvres to merge into traffic.
The Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust opposed the scheme, stating it would detrimentally impact the site's value for nature and conservation. A representative for the local MP criticised the developer for a 'disconnect' with the community and for not prioritising brownfield sites for new housing.
The inquiry, led by a government planning inspector, continues to examine eight core issues including biodiversity and highway safety before a final decision is reached.
