Rachel Alexander

Walsall Council’s revised local plan adds four sites for 319 homes while removing several previously proposed locations because of infrastructure pressures, drainage, conservation concerns, open-space loss and ground conditions. The current plan allocates 14,943 homes against a government target of 21,026 over 20 years, leaving a shortfall of 6,083. Potential densification of urban, grey-belt and green-belt sites could provide up to 9,500 additional homes. Cabinet members are due to approve the draft on August 26, followed by a six-week public consultation beginning September 14.

Walsall councillor Rose Martin has urged Walsall Council to cut long grass near homes in Pelsall, Aldridge and Brownhills because dry conditions could increase wildfire risks. Residents have raised concerns about overgrown areas, including rewilded land near the North Common and a green space on the Windrush estate. Martin said long grass near properties should be removed, private landowners should be required to act where necessary, and residents should have a dedicated way to report high-risk areas. The council has been asked to comment.

A £20 million, 10-year regeneration plan for Darlaston has been approved under the government’s Pride in Place programme, but campaigner Alison Humpage says it lacks detail about how the money will be spent and does not provide enough resident representation or financial transparency. The plan covers safety, town-centre improvements, green spaces, youth services, transport, health and skills. Board chairman Manjit Jhooty defended the programme, saying projects and grants are now being developed with residents and local partners and that communities will continue to shape the investment.

Reform UK won a large majority on Walsall Council on 8 May 2026, replacing the Conservatives and taking 40 of the 60 seats, although two Reform councillors have since become independents. The new administration says it has saved £109,000 by reducing cabinet and committee costs, scrapped the council’s climate emergency declaration, approved the National Anthem at meetings and moved to restore the Walsall Leather Museum to its original site. It has also overhauled planning, increased litter fines and plans an armed forces hub, while campaign pledges on garden-waste collections and green-belt protection remain unresolved. Reform has faced criticism over its handling of a proposed 1,000-place Reedswood school, with several cabinet members withdrawing from the discussion because of the live planning application. Thirteen Reform councillors, including the council leader, face re-election in eight months.

Willenhall CHART Centre opened as a refuge hub after fires on Stonehouse Avenue and Harry Perks Street destroyed several homes and forced residents to evacuate. More than 70 people were expected to use the centre, while local residents donated bedding, blankets and other essentials. Walsall Council supported emergency services with liaison officers, a rest centre, building control assistance and road closures. The cause of the fires remains unconfirmed, and West Midlands Fire Service urged residents to take extra care during hot, dry conditions.

At least three homes and several gardens were destroyed in two fires in Willenhall, with some residents evacuated. Councillor Simran Cheema praised residents for using hosepipes to help contain the first blaze while awaiting firefighters and urged people to take greater care during hot, dry conditions. Walsall Council provided emergency liaison, a rest centre, building-control assistance and road closures, while the causes of the fires remained unconfirmed.

Reform-controlled Walsall Council has rescinded its 2019 climate emergency declaration after councillors described it as ineffective virtue signalling. Walsall Green Party members condemned the move amid severe European wildfires, accusing Reform of denying climate change and adopting dangerous policies. Council leader Elaine Williams defended the decision, saying resources should target practical, measurable outcomes such as energy efficiency, green-space protection and community resilience rather than a formal declaration.

Blakenall Mini Market in Walsall is due to have its licence reviewed by councillors after authorities reported repeated breaches, including suspected sales of counterfeit cigarettes, possession of illicit tobacco and the sale of alcohol to two 16-year-old volunteers without identification. Trading Standards seized 960 cigarettes and 3.1 kilograms of tobacco in May 2026, while Walsall Council, West Midlands Police and the council’s public health team have requested that the licence be revoked. Licence holder Salam Hussein Khiziryan took over the shop in October 2025, although some incidents occurred before his takeover; councillors are scheduled to decide the matter on August 10.

Walsall councillors affiliated with Reform UK and one former Reform councillor voted against an amendment stating that man-made climate change exists, as the council moved to scrap its net-zero targets. The Local Democracy Reporting Service contacted all 30 councillors who voted against the amendment, but only Reform leader Elaine Williams and deputy Nicky Barker responded. Neither confirmed whether they believe climate change is man-made; Barker criticized costly net-zero targets and advocated practical measures such as cleaner streets and rivers, tree planting and protection of green spaces. Walsall Community Independents leader Aftab Nawaz condemned Reform UK's position, arguing that the scientific evidence for man-made climate change is overwhelming.

Walsall Council has approved the full planning application for the first phase of the Willenhall Masterplan, covering five brownfield sites at Temple Bar, Moat Street, Cemetery Road, Villiers Street and New Hall Street. The scheme will create 109 homes, including 25% affordable housing, alongside contributions to education, healthcare and open space. The sites, formerly occupied by derelict lock-making factories, have been cleared after the council used compulsory purchase powers, forcing Winfield Industrial Services and SJS Engineering to leave. The redevelopment follows outline approval in 2024 and is intended to tackle dereliction, arson and antisocial behaviour.

Walsall councillors approved a review of HMO licensing in Willenhall, Darlaston South, and Bentley and Darlaston North, with officers given eight weeks to report their findings. The council will also visit properties linked to validated reports of unauthorised HMOs, respond to complainants within 10 working days, and continue sending HMO planning applications to the planning committee until October. Councillors from Reform, Labour, the Conservatives and Walsall Community Independents cited overcrowding, antisocial behaviour, fly-tipping, poor waste management and inadequate enforcement. Proposed national planning reforms are expected to transfer many HMO decisions from elected members to council officers.

Walsall Council refused plans by Ad Hoc Property Management Ltd to convert the vacant Jubilee House, a former ambulance depot on Bloxwich Lane, into an eight-bedroom House in Multiple Occupation. The applicant said the temporary accommodation would help secure the building, prevent antisocial behaviour and provide affordable housing, without altering the property’s fabric. The council determined that the proposed change of use required a full planning application.

Walsall Council has approved the next administrative stage for Brownhills to receive up to £20 million over 10 years through the government’s Pride in Place programme. The council will act as the accountable body, overseeing financial administration, governance and reporting, while a community-led board develops a plan for approval by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. Council leaders say the programme will give local residents a central role in shaping long-term improvements, making Brownhills the sixth Walsall area to receive significant government investment.

Walsall Council’s new Reform UK leadership reversed the previous Conservative administration’s plan to relocate the Walsall Leather Museum, opting instead to keep it in its historic Grade II–listed building. Councillors also agreed to begin negotiations with Walsall College regarding the lease signed shortly before the election. Officials highlighted strong public opposition to the relocation and emphasised the cultural and historical importance of the museum’s current site, while acknowledging the legal and financial challenges ahead.

Residents are raising concerns about the Darlaston Pride in Place board responsible for allocating £20 million of government funding, citing transparency issues and limited resident involvement. Alison Humpage plans to question regeneration portfolio holder Nicky Barker at an upcoming Walsall Council meeting, urging a review and restructuring of the board. Past criticism from former councillor Pete Smith and Reform UK statements highlight ongoing worries about undemocratic processes and lack of resident representation. The matter is scheduled for discussion at the council’s next public meeting on July 27.

Reform UK leaders at Walsall Council have submitted a motion to scrap the local authority’s net‑zero targets and rescind its 2019 climate emergency declaration. They argue the declaration was performative and that resources should be focused on practical, locally beneficial measures rather than meeting arbitrary targets. The motion also calls for a review of spending and policies tied to the climate emergency declaration. With Reform holding 39 of 60 council seats, the proposal is expected to pass at the upcoming July 27 meeting.

Councillors in Walsall face mounting pressure to clarify their stance on a proposed £50m Windsor Apollo Academy, planned for woodland in Reedswood Park and strongly opposed by residents over environmental loss and traffic concerns. Ahead of a full council meeting, questions and a motion from opposition members and campaigners challenge the rationale for the site choice, the handling of consultations and the need for a new school amid disputed projections of pupil places. Reform councillors, who previously opposed the project, are urged to restate their position and consider retracting a prior cabinet approval involving a long lease and £1m capital allocation if planning permission is not secured.

Walsall Council rejected a proposal by Integrated Designs and Associates Ltd to convert the former Walsall Wood Library into four apartments because the developer failed to provide required biodiversity net gain information under the Environment Act 2021. Neighbours raised concerns about privacy and noise, and objections were also submitted by The Wildlife Trust, ecological authorities and highways officials, though the council found no highway or local character issues. The application ultimately failed due to missing mandatory biodiversity documentation.

A community interest group, the UK Culture Trust, is seeking Asset of Community Value status for The Imperial in Walsall, arguing that restoring the historic former Wetherspoons site as a cultural venue would significantly boost town-centre regeneration. Director Euan Maybank highlights its longstanding community use and commercial potential while expressing concern about further decline without intervention. The trust hopes to work with the property owner and the newly elected council to bring the building and other disused cultural sites back into use, emphasizing their potential to revitalise Walsall’s centre.

Residents in Great Barr strongly oppose plans by IM Land and Walton Homes to build 850 homes, a school and community facilities on 42 hectares of green belt land. Locals fear loss of countryside, wildlife disruption, traffic increases and pressure on infrastructure, while some criticise the government for weakening green belt protections. Despite being within a conservation area, the site is allocated for housing in Walsall Council’s draft local plan, and the application is now under formal assessment. The developer states the land has previously been identified as suitable for development, and the council will consider all responses before making a decision.

Councillors in Walsall rejected a motion to keep Palfrey Health Centre within Palfrey, despite concerns from residents and local representatives about accessibility, deprivation, and health inequalities. The NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board argued the current building is outdated and inadequate, proposing relocation to a larger purpose-built medical hub in the Saddlers Centre. Councillors split evenly on a motion to recognise local health inequalities and support keeping the centre in Palfrey, leaving the deciding vote to the committee chair, who voted against the motion.

Walsall Council will review the licence of Dera restaurant after two immigration enforcement visits resulted in the arrest of workers breaching visa conditions, leading to an unpaid £45,000 Home Office fine. Authorities argue the licence holder failed to uphold required checks and seek revocation of the premises licence, while owner Talat Jalil admits errors but cites ill health and plans to transfer the business to a new operator. Councillors are set to decide on potential revocation, suspension or modification of the licence on July 15.

A campaigner from the Beacon Action Group claims developers IM Land and Walton Homes will not build the primary school and community centre promised as part of an 850‑home development on Walsall green belt land, alleging they intend only to reserve space for them. The developers state that delivery of these facilities will be determined through the planning process. Walsall Council says the application is still under review and that planning conditions or legal agreements would ensure required infrastructure is delivered at the proper stage.

A £50 million proposal for a 1,000-place free school in Reedswood, Walsall, has been published by Walsall Council, advancing plans despite strong local opposition over the loss of 13.7 acres of woodland and traffic concerns. The Department for Education plans to build the Windsor Apollo Academy, delivered by BAM Construction and operated by Windsor Academy Trust. Residents, local councillors, and MP Valerie Vaz oppose the development, while the new Reform-led council must now decide whether to approve the planning application. If refused, the decision could be appealed to the Labour-controlled planning inspectorate. Measures to manage traffic and environmental concerns have been proposed, though critics argue the woodland is an important habitat and recreational space. The project is scheduled for determination in September 2026, with partial opening targeted for 2027 and full completion in 2028.

Reform Party officials in Walsall were unable to confirm whether enforcement activity will increase despite earlier campaign promises. Councillor Ian Benton repeatedly deferred questions about future enforcement levels, citing the administration’s short time in office. Previous Conservative pledges to strengthen enforcement had produced little change, though the party approved £4.7 million in 2025 to expand enforcement measures. Reform confirmed that the funding will remain in place.

A property owner has submitted plans to convert a three‑bedroom home on Kingsley Street in Pleck, Walsall, into a seven‑bedroom HMO by adding a loft dormer and reconfiguring the interior to include en‑suite rooms. The applicant, Faysal Ali, argues the proposal will not contribute to overconcentration of HMOs in an area that already has high licensing numbers and says the property will be professionally managed. Planning data shows St Matthew’s ward has the highest number of HMO licences in Walsall.

A long‑vacant Walsall Wood pub, the Black Cock Inn, may be demolished under new plans submitted to Walsall Council to build 13 homes with designated parking and access routes. The building, unused since the pandemic and subject to vandalism, is not listed and partly lies within the green belt. The developer and planning agents argue the scheme would provide supported living accommodation, enhance the area, and boost local economic activity, while heritage analysis highlights broader challenges faced by the hospitality sector in recent decades.

Developer Taylor Wimpey has proposed up to 600 homes on 27 hectares of greenbelt land in Walsall, with access planned from Chester Road. The site, included as a potential housing area in the council’s draft local plan, had an environmental screening application submitted and then withdrawn, with a full outline application expected soon. The plan includes open space and land for health and community facilities. Nearby, several other large housing developments are also awaiting council decisions, including proposals for 500 homes off Bosty Lane and 850 homes off Queslett Road.

Costs for the York’s Bridge redevelopment on the Walsall–Staffordshire border have been disclosed, totalling £7.37 million. The project rebuilt the historic single‑track bridge on Norton Road to allow two‑way traffic and ease congestion, with £4.4 million funded by external transport grants and the remainder by Walsall Council. Construction, design, supervision and traffic signal improvements accounted for the spending. The new structure, opened on April 2, 2026, aims to enhance safety, reduce strain on the original 19th‑century bridge and improve long‑term connectivity, with environmental protections including relocation of protected newts during the works.