News
Darlaston Academy land grab back on
Walsall Council Development Control Committee has approved plans to allow the Grace Academy in Darlaston to use over half of George Rose Park for redevelopment. The decision comes just two months after the committee rejected identical proposals to take 52% of the park for new buildings and sports facilities.
After the rejection of the planning application in November, Leader of the Council and Vice Chair of the Development Control Committee, Mike Bird, said: “This is a very sad day for Darlaston. This will allow the people who are not for the Academy to get their way. In my view the school is at risk of not being expanded. This has wider implications for the council.”
Last Thursday, the Development Control Committee met again to discuss outline planning permission for the scheme and the application, this time, was successful. Councillor Bird said: “This is a welcome opportunity to help regenerate Darlaston. This is a catalyst not only to provide education but improve facilities that are on the site.”
The Grace Academy is run by millionaire evangelical Christian, Robert Edmiston and replaced the former Darlaston Community Science College last September.