Our Walsall Borough Housing Strategy
You said, We did
Consultation Results Summary
203 responses to the survey were received. Alongside focus groups and workshops, survey results provided valuable insights into affordability, housing quality, neighbourhood wellbeing, and wider community priorities.
- There was broad support for the overall strategic direction—79% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed with the Regeneration and Housing objective, and 85% supported improved Private Rented Sector Standards.
- Strong advocacy for a “brownfield first” approach, with clear opposition to green belt development. Many residents expressed concerns about the loss of green space and emphasised the need for sustainable, well-located homes.
- A focus on affordability, quality, and energy efficiency, with calls for genuinely affordable homes, improved maintenance standards, robust enforcement in the private rented sector, and better support for those facing homelessness or needing specialist housing.
- Calls for deeper inclusion of underserved groups, particularly Gypsy, Traveller, and minority ethnic communities, who highlighted the need for more sites and accessible consultation.
- Concerns about local infrastructure, including schools, GPs, and transport, alongside a strong emphasis on community safety, wellbeing, and the integration of health and support services into housing policy.
- A clear expectation for ongoing, transparent engagement and regular public reporting on progress.
Feedback from all engagement activities was analysed and used to refine both the draft strategy and the supporting Delivery Plan. Emerging insights—such as the importance of community-led housing initiatives and the need for stronger partnerships with local housing providers were incorporated. Responses also informed the action plan and the priorisation e.g. immediate actions should focus on asset mapping, data improvement, and securing broad political and community buy-in.
The overarching message from consultation was clear: Walsall must move beyond short-term, fragmented, and reactive approaches to develop a bold, integrated, and pragmatic housing strategy that is grounded in evidence, community voice, and genuine cross-sector collaboration.
The Strategy was approved by Cabinet on 18 March 2026 (agenda item 12) and also considered by Prosperous Places and Investment Overview and Scrutiny Committee Scrutiny 9 April 2026.
We're creating a new strategy for housing across Walsall borough up to 2040. The draft ‘Walsall Borough Housing Strategy’ sets out our housing vision and priorities. It supports the Walsall 2040 Borough Plan and is informed by local, regional and national policy. It has been drafted with input from housing providers, developers, landlords, investors and community groups.
Key features
The draft Walsall Borough Housing Strategy looks at:
- local housing needs and challenges in Walsall. These include the cost of homes, the cost of living, and the need for more specialist homes for people
- the need for the right homes in the right places. These homes should be well designed, energy efficient and help create strong and inclusive communities.
We’d like your views
We would like you to share your views and opinions on:
- Our draft vision – what we want housing in Walsall borough to be like in the future
- Our draft Big Moves – the four priorities that will help us reach this vision
- Our draft objectives – the goals that support the Big Moves to deliver the vision
Your feedback will help shape the final strategy and action plan. Our new housing strategy will guide council decisions, funding, and projects. It will ensure Walsall has the homes people need now, and in the future.
The consultation closed on 26 January 2026.