109 homes and parking at Sites at Temple Bar, Moat Street, Willenhall

What was proposed

The application proposed 109 dwellings across five land parcels, with affordable and market homes, parking, pedestrian and cycle access, and associated works.

“25/1494 Site location: SITES AT TEMPLE BAR, CEMETERY ROAD, VILLERS STREET, NEW HALL STREET AND FORMER INGERSOLL RAND ARCHITECTURAL HARDWARE, MOAT STREET, WV13 1SZ Application proposal: Full planning application for 109 dwellings, car parking and all associated ancillary works (affects PROW Will61).”

“Parcel D provides 15 units in a mix of market and affordable rent properties. Parcel E provides 19 market units in two parts, north and south of Villiers Street and a mixture of 2, 3 and 4 bed units are provided across the two parts Safe pedestrian and cycle access is facilitated by paths across the site parcels, and private roadways or courtyard spaces within parcels are designed as shared surfaces.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The five parcels lie north and east of Willenhall Town Centre among employment land, homes, a greenway and Wood Street Cemetery.

“The application site comprises five land parcels located immediately to the north and east of Willenhall Town Centre, around 5km to the west of Walsall. Willenhall is located approximately 2.5 miles west of Walsall town centre, 2.5 miles east of Wolverhampton and 8 miles north-west of Birmingham.”

“The surrounding area comprises a mix of employment sites, both occupied and vacant, and residential development. Residential areas are focused on the north and north-west of the site above the Greenway. The industrial areas are mixed throughout the area but primarily within the site boundary itself, and to the east and northeast. A former railway which is now used as a greenway, runs between the land parcels.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

An outline permission for up to 54 apartments and 53 houses was granted in 2024, followed by permission for demolition in 2025.

“Planning applications • 23/0338 - Outline planning application for the demolition of existing structures on land at Moat Street, Temple Bar, Cemetery Road, Villiers Street and New Hall Street, Willenhall and the development of up to 54 apartments, 53 houses and retention of local listed building for residential purposes, associated junction improvements and car parking, the creation of new Public Open Space and all associated ancillary works (access and layout to be…”

“25/1360 - Prior Notification for demolition of existing structures within 6 parcels of land located off Moat Street, Willenhall under Schedule 2, Part 11, Class B of The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended) – Prior Approval Granted 18-12-2025.”

Officer report

Consultees’ views

Consultees generally raised no objections, subject to conditions covering archaeology, drainage, ecology, noise, highways, contamination, mining and planning contributions.

“Archaeology No objection subject to conditions relating to a programme of archaeological investigations.”

“Coal/Mining Remediation Authority No objection subject to conditions relating to a scheme of intrusive site investigations.”

Officer report

Comments from the public

One comment objected to the occupants of the homes, while another supported regeneration but stressed the need for sufficient off-street parking.

“Objection One comment received objecting to the proposal for the following reason: • Concerned about who the houses will be gifted to and the type of people who may occupy the properties.”

“Support One comment received in support of proposal for the following reason: • Area is an eyesore although it is important there is sufficient off-street parking for the proposed scheme.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A speaker supporting the application described the partnership, regeneration benefits and proposed mix of housing types and tenures.

Members’ discussion

Members supported delivering additional housing, while officers explained the required review of parking and traffic arrangements.

“There followed questions to officers. The Highways Development Control & Public Rights of Way Manager advised that conditions required a review of on- street parking and current traffic arrangements in response to the area’s transition from commercial to residential use; he added that consultations would be required for any changes to traffic regulation orders.”

“There followed a period of debate Members expressed support for the delivery of additional housing within the borough.”

Minutes

The vote

Councillors voted unanimously in favour, with six votes for, no votes against and no abstentions.

“It was moved by Councillor Sadla and seconded by Councillor Simmons and upon being put to the vote it was;”

“Resolved (6 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstentions)”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

Permission was delegated subject to conditions, planning obligations, resolution of drainage concerns, final agreement of obligations and no unresolved statutory consultation issues.

“That Planning Committee delegated to the Head of Planning & Building Control to Grant Planning Permission Subject to Conditions and a S111 Agreement to secure a S106 Agreement to include affordable housing provision, education, healthcare and open space contributions, and subject to: The amendment and finalising of conditions. Addressing concerns regarding flood risk/drainage. 3.”

Minutes