Small sites set to make a big difference as whg announces 23 new affordable homes

Disused garage sites across Walsall are being given a new lease of life as whg prepares to build 23 much-needed social rent homes.

The housing association has signed a contract with developer E Manton to deliver the homes across eight sites, bringing underused land back into use and helping meet the need for affordable housing.

Work is due to begin at Bonner Grove this month, closely followed by Spout Lane on land whg acquired from Walsall Council. Further homes will be built at Broad Meadow, Chatsworth Crescent, Earls Road East, Earls Road North, Jessie Road and Haley Street.

Construction will take place in three phases, with the programme due to complete in 2028.

The programme forms part of whg’s Small Sites Project which has already delivered 21 homes across 11 sites. Alongside creating much-needed housing, the programme helps tackle problems associated with disused land, including fly-tipping and antisocial behaviour, and improves the surroundings for existing residents.

Rebecca Bennett Casserly, Corporate Director of Development, said:“These sites may be small, but the difference they can make is significant. Each one is an opportunity to turn a neglected piece of land into a place someone can call home, while making the neighbourhood better for the people already living nearby.

“Delivering homes across multiple small sites is complex. It isn’t an easy option, but we believe it is work worth doing. Taken together, these developments make a valuable contribution to meeting housing need in Walsall and across the wider region.

whg has identified up to 500 disused garage sites for potential development through the project, offering an opportunity to make better use of land it already owns.

A pipeline of future schemes is also taking shape, with phases four, five and six expected to bring forward around 60 additional homes across 20 locations.

The programme forms part of whg’s wider work to create high-quality affordable homes and help neighbourhoods thrive.