A major public inquiry has begun this week into a contentious proposal to build over a hundred new houses on protected land in Walsall, with the developer accusing the local authority of a 'catastrophic failure' in housing provision.
The Battle Over 'Green' vs 'Grey' Belt
The inquiry, which started on December 2, 2025, is examining an appeal by William Davis Homes after Walsall Council's planning committee unanimously refused their outline application in June. The firm wants to construct up to 115 dwellings on a 6.75-hectare site off Longwood Lane, which is currently designated as green belt.
Representing the developer, barrister Satnam Choongh argued that the land should be reclassified as 'grey belt', claiming it does not make a strong contribution to the green belt's purposes. "The answer to all three is no," he stated, referring to questions about the site's contribution, habitat loss, and sustainability.
He further contended that without development, the ecological value of the area would decline, and that the proposal included a beneficial maintenance strategy. In a stark criticism of the council, Mr Choongh claimed that only five local authorities in England are performing worse than Walsall on housing supply, leading the borough towards a catastrophic failure to meet its constituents' needs.
Council and Community Push Back
Presenting the case for Walsall Council, Ashley Bowes maintained a simple position: the site is green belt, and building on it is therefore inappropriate. He warned that releasing the land would harm the countryside and significantly narrow the 1.7 km gap between Aldridge and Walsall by around 15%.
Dr Bowes also raised serious highway safety concerns regarding the proposed access on Longwood Lane. He predicted queuing and dangerous manoeuvres, with drivers having to pause in a northbound carriageway to force their way into congested southbound traffic, exacerbated by the site's location near a bend.
The inquiry also heard from objectors. Sara Carvalho of the Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust emphasised the detrimental impact on locally important nature in an already heavily urbanised area. Jonjo MacNamara, representing local MP Wendy Morton, criticised the developer's disconnect from the community and its refusal to prioritise brownfield sites.
Decision Imminent for Walsall's Future
The government-appointed planning inspector, Tom Gilbert-Wooldridge, is presiding over the seven-day hearing. The core issues under debate include:
- Green belt and grey belt definitions
- Highway safety and access
- Biodiversity and habitat impact
- Local housing supply needs
The inspector is expected to issue his final decision on the appeal by January 27, 2026. The outcome will have significant implications for Walsall's local plan, its housing strategy, and the future protection of its green belt land.
