The Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust has issued a strong call to refuse plans for a 115-home development on Walsall’s cherished green belt at Longwood Lane. The trust warns that approving the project would be a significant setback for local nature conservation efforts.
The controversial proposal, submitted by William Davis Homes Ltd, is scheduled for review by a government planning inspector next week following an appeal after Walsall Council’s rejection in June. The council cited concerns over inappropriate green belt development, increased traffic, and threats to wildlife habitats and trees.
At the upcoming planning inquiry on December 2, William Davis Homes aims to demonstrate that the project’s benefits outweigh potential environmental harm. They highlight plans for 46 affordable homes, biodiversity improvements with a 10% net gain, and commitments to local infrastructure such as schools, healthcare, recreation, and public transport.
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However, Dr. Norman Dandy, director of nature recovery at the wildlife trust, strongly opposes the development. He emphasizes that the 6.75-hectare site forms part of an important ecological corridor, including half of Wood End Farm—designated as a Site of Local Importance to Nature Conservation. The project threatens to fragment and degrade valuable habitats such as semi-natural grassland, hedgerows, riverside areas, and mature trees that are ancient, veteran, and centenary.
Dr. Dandy stated, “Protecting local wildlife sites is essential for nature recovery and building resilient communities. This development would significantly harm Walsall’s remaining green belt and degrade critical habitats.”
William Davis Homes, represented by Operations Director David Dodge, stresses the urgency of addressing housing shortages, referencing the government’s target of delivering 1.5 million new homes. Dodge maintains that the land qualifies as grey belt rather than green belt and points to Walsall Council’s housing land supply falling below national requirements.
As the inquiry approaches, the conflict between housing needs and environmental preservation remains at the forefront of the debate, with the decision poised to impact Walsall’s landscape and community for years to come.