Walsall Borough Housing Strategy 2026 - Summary

Walsall’s housing market is under growing pressure, with evidence indicating a requirement for nearly 20,000 new homes by 2042, a significantly higher target than recent housing need figures. This step-change reflects both changes to the Government’s Standard Method for calculating local housing need and increasing affordability challenges in the borough. In addition to a substantial affordable housing requirement (at least 18.6% of all new homes), the evidence highlights a greater need for larger family homes than in previous planning periods. This is driven by demographic changes, including a rising number of families with children and multi-generational households, as well as a growing older population, factors which together are increasing demand for three- and four-bedroom properties. The current housing stock contains a high proportion of smaller dwellings, leading to overcrowding in some sectors and under-occupation in others. 

Furthermore, the latest Housing LIN assessment and Walsall Council’s Housing with Care and Support Market Position Statement (2025–2040) demonstrate that requirements for specialist and supported housing including extra care, supported living, wheelchair-accessible homes, and nursing care beds are higher and more diverse than previously estimated. This assessment provides detailed projections by locality and client group, highlighting specific areas within Walsall where future needs will be most pronounced (see MPS Sections 5–6 and accompanying maps). In response, the council is committed to a flexible, person-centred, and localityfocused approach to planning and delivery. Needs evidence and local demand mapping will be refreshed at least every two years, with annual updates to market insight and supply analysis, ensuring alignment and integration with wider health and social care strategies and commissioning cycles.

Strategic policies must therefore ensure housing delivery aligns with these updated requirements, prioritising both affordable and specialist provision, supporting the development of larger homes, expanding provision for specialist groups and maintaining a robust, regularly updated evidence base as new data becomes available.