Call to demolish former Dudley care home

Planning officers have recommended Dudley development committee approve planning permission for the conversion of New Bridge House on Bayer Street.

But their advice is being opposed by local councillors and residents who say too many flats are being proposed and a better solution would be to demolish it

Councillor Peter Drake, said: “My main objection is the size of it.

“The rooms are going to very small, very cramped and don’t think it’s the sort of cramped housing we should have in Coseley. We should have some housing that is a bit more spacious.

“It is piling too much housing into too small a space.

“I think it would be better if it were bulldozed and turned into housing for local people .

“That’s what we need at the moment, especially council housing. “

Nearby residents have objected to the scheme saying it would amount to an eyesore and are not enough local services such as schools and GPs in the area.

The plans are proposing 23 one-bedroom flats and nine two-bedroomed apartments with 40 off street parking bays.

Councillor Drake though, fears the plans don’t provide enough space for cars.

“There are far too few parking spaces for the number of people who would live there .

“It’s already an issue down that road with people going to Coseley train station and this would create additional pressure."

But the council’s Highways department says the provision is sufficient and will not result in on-street parking.

It is the second proposed development of the site after a plan for a hostel for 65 people was rejected in August this year.

Recommending approval , planning officers have the development is in-line with local Development Strategy Policies, saying: “The principle of residential use, the layout, appearance, scale and access of the proposed development are considered to be acceptable. Neighbours amenity and street scene are not considered to be detrimentally affected.”

Councillors will discuss the application at their meeting on November 6.