News

Willenhall development moves a step closer with first Building purchased

Regeneration

Land Referencing Services

25th February 2025

Council acquires first derelict building as Willenhall Development moves a step forward.

The Willenhall Development took a step forward last week as Walsall Council took ownership of the first building in Willenhall.

The compulsory purchase of over 21,000 square meters of land in Willenhall was confirmed in November 2024. The derelict building on Newhall Street is the first site that the council has acquired following the CPO process.

LRS are delighted to have provided Land Referencing Services for the project. Willenhall is identified as a key area of sustainable growth within the West Midlands Region.

This is due to the imminent arrival of a new train station in the town and opportunities to deliver housing growth.

Development

Outline planning permission was granted on 16 July 2024 for the demolition of existing structures on land at various locations in Willenhall. In addition, permission includes the development of up to 54 apartments, 53 houses and retention of a local listed building for residential purposes.

Acquisition of all the sites within the CPO area is expected to be complete in May. In turn, this will enable Walsall Council to bring forward the sites for development into new housing and open space.

Walsall Council received funding from the Government through the former Levelling Up Fund. This is as well as funding from the West Midlands Combined Authority, to begin delivery of the Willenhall Framework Plan.

Councillor Adrian Andrew, Associate Leader of Walsall Council, said:

“It is great news that we have taken ownership of the first building within our CPO boundary in Willenhall. It has been a long process to get to this point and it shows that we, as a Council, are committed to using our powers to bring these much-needed developments forward for our residents.

In May we expect to have acquired all the sites that we need to so we can start work with Keepmoat to deliver new housing. This is huge step forward on delivering a great future for Willenhall while having an eye on our proud history.”