Homes plan for derelict site in town

A DISUSED industrial building in Darlaston is to be torn down to make way for a new housing development.

Walsall Council planners have given the go-ahead to a proposed scheme by Village Partnerships Limited to demolish the Armstrong Building in The Green and Booth Street and build 24 houses and apartments in its place. Company representatives said the development would provide much needed affordable housing to the area and bring a site back into use which has been derelict for a number of years.

Back in 2018, Walsall Council had granted permission for a 14-house development for the site but that plan did not materialise.

In the application, agents BM3 Architecture said: “The aim of this scheme is to create a safe, secure and desirable place to live in.

“It is vital that the proposals are influenced by and respond sensitively to the site’s context and surrounding buildings.

“There is great opportunity to develop new residential dwellings, widening the choice of affordable accommodation in the area.

“The development aims to provide a high quality and attractive residential development that enhances and responds positively to and reflects the existing character of the surrounding area.

“There will be a rounding off of the existing pattern of settlement within the vicinity by creating a new neighbourhood, which would combine existing residential area with new housing which is fundamental to building a core community and further enhance opportunities for employment.

“The proposals will result in the maximum and efficient reuse of a previously developed brownfield site. Our application for this site will provide much needed affordable housing provision.

“The application site comprises a vacant industrial building which has been part demolished. “The wider area has a mix of uses and is predominantly industrial/commercial and residential.

“The site is sustainably located within with good accessibility by foot and within walking distance of a range of local amenities, community facilities and Darlaston town centre.”