Over the summer, Lawley & Overdale Parish Council undertook a consultation to obtain residents’ views on its proposal for a new community centre. The results of which can now be shared with the public.
Background
With the population of parishioners increasing from 5,000 to nearly 15,000 over the past 20 years, and further increases expected, the Parish Council has long acknowledged that the current facility on Arleston Lane is unable to meet the needs of a rapidly growing community.
The Council is committed to providing a modern and fully accessible community building for all residents, across Lawley, Overdale, Newdale, The Rock, Old Park, Dawley Bank and Lawley Bank. Alongside this, it recognises the demographic changes and the requirement to adapt to these in relation to the expanding population and needs of residents by way of socio-economic benefits.
The consultation
All residents were invited to complete the questionnaire, either online or by way of a paper copy.
In addition, three drop-in sessions were undertaken to allow residents to discuss the proposal and to raise any concerns or ask questions to ensure the Council was able to utilise all forms of communication and to reach as many households as possible.
Collation and analysis of responses
Has now been completed and the results of which can be found here.
Conclusion
Whilst 60.3% of residents who took part in the consultation agreed with a new community centre, regardless of an increase in the precept or not, the Council also examined why some residents felt that one was not needed or did not agree with the proposal to fund it. Both of which, along with other comments, such as the potential use of the new centre and concerns of its location and impact, are contained within the analysis of the responses, including how the Parish Council intends to address them.
Next steps
Based on the responses received from the consultation and following discussions at the Extraordinary Meeting of the Council held on Wednesday 1 October 2025, Lawley & Overdale Parish Council have unanimously agreed to submit a planning application for a new centre on Bryce Way in Lawley.
As part of this process it will ensure that it publishes details of the application on its website and in the various noticeboards across the area to keep residents informed and to allow them to take part in the consultation process by submitting comments.
Further drop-in sessions will also take place to allow residents to discuss the plans with Parish Councillors, staff and members from the build team.
Thank you
Lawley & Overdale Parish Council would like to thank all those who took part in the consultation and who attended the drop-sessions.
It would also like to congratulate the five winners from the prize draw and will ensure they receive their shopping vouchers shortly.