Walsall Council is preparing to endorse the release of multiple green belt sites for housing development as part of the latest Walsall Borough Local Plan.
On July 22, cabinet members will meet to approve this updated plan, which serves as a framework for developers interested in building within the borough. The document outlines a range of land parcels deemed suitable for new housing and employment opportunities.
The creation of this plan responds to government mandates requiring the delivery of 20,000 new homes between 2027 and 2042.
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The initial draft was approved in October 2025 by the previous Conservative-led council, triggering a consultation process that invited residents to share their opinions.
The majority of objections received focused on proposed housing developments on green belt land. The sites attracting the most opposition include 580 homes near York’s Bridge in Pelsall, 978 homes at Yardfield Farm on Stafford Road, Bloxwich, and 363 homes at Birch Lane in Aldridge.
Other heavily contested allocations include 1,070 homes at Black Cock Farm in Walsall Wood, 1,000 homes on Calderfields golf course, and 771 homes on a plot along Queslett Road between Aldridge Road and Doe Bank Lane.
Despite significant resistance, all these sites remain in the latest draft plan except for Black Cock Farm, which has been removed entirely.
Additionally, four previously green belt sites re-designated as grey belt have been added to the plan, providing for 135 homes off Skip Lane, 55 homes at Northfield Way in Clayhanger, 52 homes west of Clayhanger Lane, and 77 homes at Pool View in Rushall.
Should the cabinet approve the plan next week, a further six-week public consultation will commence, lasting until mid-September. After this, officers will address any final amendments before submitting the plan to the Secretary of State by the December 31, 2026 deadline.
The current draft positions the council to achieve approximately 75% of the government’s housing target. Missing this deadline could result in the council facing risks such as loss of control over planning decisions via appeals, and an inadequate supply of housing to meet the borough’s needs.