Green belt homes approval 'shocking' - councillor

A deputy council leader has said the planning approval of 115 homes is "totally against the wishes of local people".

Walsall Council originally refused the plans for Longwood Lane on 19 June 2025 on the grounds of inappropriate development on the green belt, concerns over increased traffic, and issues around wildlife habitats and trees.

Applicant William Davis Homes Ltd appealed the refusal to the planning inspector, claiming that none of the reasons had any merit. The plans were then approved by the government.

Deputy leader of the authority, councillor Adrian Andrew, called it a "shocking decision" by the planning inspectorate.

He said it had left the borough's green belt "under significant threat".

The planning inspectorate said the decision was within the six-week window during which it could be challenged in the High Court, and so it would be inappropriate to comment.

David Dodge, the applicants' managing director, maintained that the site accords with the definition of grey belt.

He added that the development responded to the council's housing supply shortage.

"Our application was submitted in the context of Walsall Council maintaining less than a two-year housing land supply against a national requirement of five years," he said.

"Following the inspector's ruling, we look forward to building a development of quality new homes, including 46 much-needed affordable houses and bungalows, to help meet local need for housing.

"The development will provide a 10 per cent net gain in biodiversity and funding to improve local schools, healthcare, recreation and access to public transport."

Andrew said the authority would continue to fight planning applications on green belt land.

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