Site of former Oldbury warehouse could be turned into new flats

Up to 14 flats would be built on land off Wolverhampton Road in Langley, Oldbury according to plans submitted to Sandwell Council by Paul Johal.

Sandwell Council approved an application to build 14 flats in 2007 but the work was never carried out.

The former auto workshop in Wolverhampton Road was converted into a warehouse for sheds and other garden buildings in 2014 but then demolished in recent years without the flats then being built.

The two and three-storey building would be built on a similar footprint to the former workshop.

A statement included with the application said: “With the local planning authority already granting a permission for and apartment block the site historically, the principle of a residential development was seemingly established. But to test this principle in light of emerging planning policy, a pre-app for a new application was obtained which maintained favourability.

“When comparing this to the previous approval, the benefits are far outweighed, making for a more contemporary building. The overall height has also been considerably reduced which should enjoy a better relationship with the adjacent proprieties.

“It is felt that this scheme will vastly improve a currently underutilised site to the benefit of the area, improving the street character and promoting a sustainable way of living promoted by better landscape, energy efficiency and connectivity.”

The land sits less than a mile from the former Brandhall Golf Course which is set to be turned into a huge new estate.

The controversial work includes 190 new homes, a replacement Causeway Green Primary School and a new 67-acre public park.

The foundations for the first of the 190 proposed homes are not expected to be laid for at least another 18 months. The replacement primary school is not expected to open until early 2027.