Apartment block plan for Dudley - despite previous objections

A plot of land in Dudley could see construction of a block of flats if an application is approved.

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Dudley Council planners have been asked to rule on a proposal for a block of 20 apartments on land to the rear of St James’ Road.

An application for 14 apartments on the site was approved in 2013 despite objections from neighbouring residents about the proximity of the new block to their homes.

In a statement supporting the new application, Lapworth Architects said the project is a flagship for Dudley regeneration.

Mike Kalam, director at Lapworth Architects, said: “Our design draws on Dudley’s rich heritage while delivering a contemporary architectural response.

“We’ve worked hard to ensure this scheme feels at home in its setting, but is clearly of its time.”

The statement says the design of the new building is stepped to reduce from four storeys to three ‘ to respect adjacent buildings, particularly The Birches’.

The St James\' Road site in Dudley where a new apartment block will be build if planners approve an application. Picture Google free for LDRS use

Back in 2013, residents of The Birches were worried by the plan, one objector said ‘The building is too close, limiting my light and view’ while another added ‘When sitting at my dining table I will be looking at a brick wall’.

Despite the concerns of nearby residents about the 2013 plan, which was also a four to three storey building, planning officers recommended approval of the plan.

In their report officers said: “Neighbours amenity and street scene are not considered to be detrimentally affected.”

The development is on a site currently used as a car park and classified as brownfield land which will be music to the ears of the council’s leader, Cllr Patrick Harley, who has pledged not to build on green belt sites.

The government set Dudley a target of approving 1,594 new homes per year in the next five years which Cllr Harley says is impossible.

The council has submitted a plan to the government which says it can deliver 10,470 new homes by 2041.

Councillor Harley said: “We firmly retain our belief that the housing and employment needs of this borough can be met within the urban area and working with our neighbouring authorities.

“We believe we can do this without having to build on green belt land which we know is treasured by so many people across the borough.”