Parks and countryside
Walsall Council and Countryside Properties agree way forward with Wards Keep estate in Darlaston
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Walsall Council is working with Countryside Properties to resolve outstanding planning issues at Wards Keep in Darlaston.
The original planning agreement for the development required a Management Plan that would hand control of the open spaces to residents at the Darlaston estate, where 205 new homes were built by Countryside Properties in 2022.
However, Walsall Council entered into a dispute with the developer following breaches of planning control including eight properties that did not conform to the original plans for the development.
“ I’m glad we are close to reaching an agreement with Countryside Properties on what has been a difficult and convoluted issue. We are working towards a positive outcome. “
“ I’m delighted that we now have a way forward and are working closely with the council with a view to reaching a resolution. This is a very positive step. I hope this will reassure residents of our genuine commitment to resolving their concerns. We have a step-by-step plan and will be writing to homeowners very shortly to explain our approach in more detail. “
In a collaborative effort, Walsall Council and Countryside Properties will write to all affected residents, assuring them of their commitment to resolving the ongoing issues without litigation, if possible. All homeowners will become members of, and jointly control, the management company, which oversees the open space at Wards Keep.
The Council has no planning issues relating to the latest planning application which seeks to regularise the affected eight properties and has confirmed that planning permission can be issued once the necessary updated legal agreement has been signed and completed.
