Regeneration
Walsall Council to formally challenge Chapel Lane development decision
Published on
Walsall Council has lodged a formal challenge which has this week been served on the government, challenging the controversial decision to allow a battery storage facility to be built on land off Chapel Lane in Great Barr.
Following a Public Inquiry in November 2024 the application was approved by the planning inspectorate on 14 February 2025, immediately after government policy on greenbelt development changed.
The council believes the planning inspector did not properly consider other possible sites for the development, did not apply evidence regarding noise impacts, and feels the inspector made some fundamental errors in coming to their conclusion.
“ I do not believe that the decision to develop a battery storage facility on Chapel Lane is the right decision for our borough. We have taken the opportunity to challenge the decision on behalf of local residents.
Residents have consistently opposed this development, which is, in my opinion, an inappropriate development of greenbelt land. We will do what we can as a council to protect it “
If Walsall Council is successful in this challenge, the court would then overturn the decision and the planning inspectorate would assign a different inspector to consider the matter a fresh.
ENDS
