The Council’s planning committee is under fire for an approved planning application in the Great Barr Conservation Area in Pheasey Park Farm ward. They approved a proposal to build two five-bedroom homes at Barr Lane on 19th June 2025 on green belt land despite objections by five statutory consultees, including conservation, ecology, highways, planning policy, and trees. The decision sparked upset from councillors and the community organisation, Beacon Action Group.
Irene Henery (pictured) said, “This is an example where the planning committee is acting without transparency as many interested parties who objected have not been given a good sound reason for the application to proceed in spite of their objections. The report from the Planning Advisory Service did state that in 88% of cases taken to the appeal stage, the planning inspector had overturned the planning committee’s decisions when they have gone against officers’ recommendations. Everyone should vote Reform UK next May as the only way that Walsall Council is going to improve its services is when Reform undertakes a fundamental and far reaching overhaul of Walsall Council. If you want change, vote for change.”
Irene previously stood as a parliamentary candidate for Birmingham Ladywood in the General Election in July 2024 for the Reform UK party. She has confirmed that she will be standing in the Walsall Council elections on 7th May 2026.
