Have your say on homes scheme
Date Published : 11 July 2008
Families have been urged to have their say on proposals to build almost 200 new homes as part of an ambitious plan to revitalise a Walsall community.
Walsall Council has joined forces with residents and partner organisations to regenerate the wider Birchills area.
The drive to breathe extra life into the area is being down with the help of a body known as the Birchills project reference group - made up senior councillors, community representatives and partners.
Regeneration bosses have urged residents to take a look at plans for land off Birch Street, Old Birchills and Green Lane in Birchills.
Improvements to the Sydenham playing fields could also take shape as part of the proposals.
People can come along and inspect the blueprints when they go on show at the Burrowes Street TMO building, Birchills between 2pm and 8pm on Monday 14 July 2008.
Councillor Adrian Andrew, Walsall Council deputy leader and cabinet member for regeneration, said: “As we’ve said before we do pride ourselves on being a listening council and we do want to hear what people have to say on the proposals.
“The creation of new homes as part of a community-led approach could help breathe new life into the Birchills area. The development could also lead to improvements to the Sydenham playing fields and this is something that we would like to hear views on. Perhaps people would like to see a games play area there or some other improvements. This is a chance to have a real say.”
Councillor Tim Oliver, Birchills project reference group chairman and leader of the opposition on Walsall Council, said: "As local councillors we believe that it is crucial that local people have their say - for or against - on big decisions such as this which can have a major impact on our quality of life. These decisions should be made for the benefit of our local communities rather than to just suit developers and other external parties."
The plans are being drawn up by Walsall Council regeneration officers and the project reference group for the 12 acre site in conjunction with Halesowen-based Firms Ltd.
The project supports Walsall Regeneration Company’s aim to create a series of canalside communities to the north of the town centre and it promotes the redevelopment of the former Metal Casements factory site which is currently lying derelict.
Staff will be on hand to explain the proposals and answer any questions which people may have at the event.
Views made at the event will be carefully considered before any planning application is finalised and submitted.
For more information contact Walsall Council senior regeneration officer Joel Maybury on 01922 653221 or by email on mayburyj@walsall.gov.uk