Walsall to Transform Fly-Tipping Blight into Housing

A neglected former car park on Victor Street, Walsall, is set for transformation after the Walsall Council granted planning permission. The site, which has been plagued by fly-tipping, will be developed by Stourbridge-based Harc Design Bureau into a block of six one-bedroom flats.

The site, formerly an unpopular and unused car park, has become an eyesore and source of nuisance due to consistent rubbish dumping. Harc Design Bureau emphasized that the development would remove the blight and bring much-needed housing to the area. The flat block will be located in a sustainable area with easy access to local services, shops, and public transport.

The council recognizes the development as a “windfall” site contributing to alleviating the pressing need for new homes in the borough.

Boston Set to Explore Modular Housing Plant with $3M Grant

The US Department of Housing and Urban Development has awarded a $3 million grant to the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) to explore establishing a modular housing plant in Greater Boston. Modular housing, produced on assembly lines, offers a faster and potentially more cost-effective alternative to traditional construction methods.

MAPC Executive Director Marc Draisen highlighted that a local modular plant could spur job creation and provide a quicker solution to the housing crisis. The modular units, which can be produced in weeks and installed rapidly, promise faster and consistent building processes, protecting against weather-related delays. This effort is part of a broader HUD initiative to address housing barriers and stimulate local development through innovative techniques.

Planning Approved for Eden Project Dundee

Eden Project Dundee has received unanimous approval from Dundee City Council for its eco visitor attraction on the former gasworks site on East Dock Street. Led by Chief Experience Development Officer Blair Parkin, the project has reached a crucial milestone after four years of planning and community engagement.

The development, expected to take around six years to complete, will feature three buildings, including one using the existing gas holder structure. Preparatory site work by National Grid and SGN, involving ground leveling and infrastructure adjustments, is anticipated to last up to two years.

The project will advance through a detailed planning conditions review and an extensive fundraising campaign, aiming for a budget of approximately £130 million. The Eden Project team is also exploring innovative energy solutions to power the site sustainably. An office in Dundee will be established, with local staff additions planned to support the project’s engagement initiatives.