Walsall Council Secures Compulsory Purchase Order for Willenhall Housing Development

Regeneration efforts in Willenhall have advanced following the council’s successful application for a compulsory purchase order (CPO) to acquire a specific land parcel. This authorization empowers the authority to purchase a 21,000 square metre area of land situated around Moat Street and Villiers Street, without requiring the owner’s consent. The demolition of industrial structures in the vicinity of Villiers Street, Moat Street, New Hall Street, Stafford Street, and Temple Bar received approval earlier this year. This initiative is projected to facilitate the construction of 107 new homes, forming an integral part of the Willenhall Masterplan. Compulsory Purchase Orders are instruments granted to public authorities to execute regeneration projects that serve the public interest. Walsall Council was awarded these powers subsequent to a public inquiry. Planning inspector Claire Searson, who was appointed to lead the inquiry, noted that the authority has harbored a longstanding objective to regenerate this particular section of Willenhall, which has been an “enduring concern” for the local community. Winfield Industrial Services, a steel fabrication company located within an area designated for development, had lodged an objection to the CPO. The firm argued that it could be excluded from the plans and continue to operate alongside the proposed residential development. However, Ms. Searson rejected this assertion, stating that the site contains extensive areas of derelict buildings, including the former Century Works and Moat Street Garage. She further indicated that excluding the Winfield site would not be possible without “prejudicing the whole development.” Property developer Phillips Landholdings Ltd, which possesses several land parcels in the area, also opposed the order. Mr. Phillips and his family had acquired these plots with the intention of undertaking their own redevelopment, believing that 275 homes could be delivered on the company-owned sites—a figure 168 greater than the council’s masterplan aims to achieve. The inspector expressed “significant reservations” about these proposals, citing “very basic details” and “inaccuracies” within the plans submitted. Ultimately, Ms. Searson granted the CPO to Walsall Council, concluding that there would be no realistic prospect of the regeneration scheme being delivered without it. Councillor Adrian Andrew stated: “I am delighted with the decision to grant compulsory purchase powers for Willenhall. We will now follow the statutory notification procedure to notify all parties, but this is a positive step forward in our transformative plans for Willenhall.” This report was compiled by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, which provides coverage of local government bodies and other public service organizations. For additional content, follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X, and Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC does not assume responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available.