Gosocte and Poets plans deferred for decision.

Comment regarding Wednesday Planning Committee 15th March


From Cllr Ian Robertson 01922 634642 and 07956 829549



Walsall Planning Committee decided on Wednesday night to put off making a final decision on the application for outline planning permission in Goscote and Poets areas of Blakenall.

There were calls for more complete surveys of ground conditions and the ecology of the sites. Residents have been waiting for over 5 years for the start of the promised regeneration of their communities and the area ,so there must be a real sense of urgency to come to a positive agreement on a robust plan to make a start, especially at a time when the economy everywhere is in such a poor state.

The deadline to agree this plan must happen within the timescale of three months . Anything more will risk missing the slim but real opportunity for both the Walsall Housing Group ( WHG) and Walsall Council coming together with the community and a developer, yet to be identified, to have the vision for a new Blakenall built here. This vision must have plans for excellent landscaping of the open spaces with proper play facilities and expansion and enhancement of local schools and roads.

In the immediate future we need Walsall Council and WHG to properly look after the present open spaces in partnership with the police and an effective neighbourhood watch network of local residents to control the fly tipping and anti social behaviour that causes serious nuisance to residents. There is also an urgent need to re-establish a regular bus service along Goscote Lane.

There is a commitment from all parties including local Councillors to make this happen. If we do win in May and gain control of this Council this issue will be addressed along with the fact that the current Tory Council over the past 12 years have favoured their own areas with resources... we shall redress that balance to give a much fairer distribution to areas such as Blakenall.

Cllr Ian Robertson ( Blakenall Ward)

published by electronic means by Ian Robertson 87 Belvidere Road walsall WS1 3AU