Backland development in Lichfield Road, Walsall
The Walsall area has dozens of site suitable for building homes on, and we designed some smart apartments for a local developer keen to make good on his investment
Brownfield opportunities
We were approached by a developer to design a housing scheme on Lichfield Road in Walsall, on some land that they had owned since the mid-2000s, but as yet had not moved forward with the project, despite having outline planning permission for his application being granted by the local council.
Given its convenient location between Bloxwich and Wednesfield and close to Walsall town centre, the plot was suited to a mid-density backland development, as it had good road access, was walking distance to local amenities and good transport connections to the larger towns and the employment opportunities in the area.
Homes for families and couples
To make the most of the already cleared land, our designers proposed three blocks of housing, two three-storey sections and one two-storey arranged around a parking courtyard which would provide convenient access off the main road, as well as catering for those with access issues.
The scale and massing of the new build blocks would match recent low-rise apartment developments in the area, as well as complementing the existing 1970s housing stock of flats. In this case, there would be 23 1- and 2-bedroom apartments, designed for maximum accessibility and open-plan living for couples, small families and people looking to downsize from larger houses.
As you might expect to find with a courtyard-style design, the blocks would face onto a landscaped central plaza that provided access to the flats, as well as plenty of parking and room for cycles to promote sustainable transport. The blocks were designed to make the most of the backland development plot by having medium-density housing so that everyone could enjoy the surrounding amenity space looking out over the countryside.
If you’re a would-be developer looking to make a good return on investment on a backland development, get in touch on 0121 455 0032 and let’s see how we can help you provide housing for the local community with thoughtful and sustainable design.