Historic Dudley building set for conversion to flats
A landmark building in Dudley could be partially converted into flats if council planners accept a new proposal.
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The authority has been asked to grant permission for six new one-bedroom apartments in the old NatWest bank building on Castle Street.
The four-storey building is not listed but sits within a conservation area, the applicant says their plan will not impact on the town centre’s appearance.
A statement from Chris Ralphs Architects supporting the application said: “The building’s façade is retained as originally built, ensuring the historical language of the existing building is retained, helping to preserve the character and appearance of the conservation area.”
The building was home to a NatWest branch until March 2024. The new application will retain retail space on the ground floor and add a bedsit to the rear.
The upper three floors will see existing offices replaced with five further apartments, the only work proposed to the front of the building is an upgrade to the windows.
The original building dates back to the late 1930s and was altered at the rear in the 1970s with a two-story extension.
The bank vaults in the basement do not form part of the application and will remain in commercial use.
The upper floors are accessed via a separate staircase on Castle Street.
Although there is no parking provision, the applicant believes the site’s location near transport hubs means this should not lead to the plan being rejected.
The statement from Chris Ralphs Architects said: “The building is located in a sustainable location, access to facilities within the town are within walking distance and is easily served by public transport.
“Whilst no parking provision is proposed as part of the development but some bike storage, given the sustainable location, it would not provide reasonable grounds to refuse the planning application.”
