A 30-year-old glazing firm in Cradley Heath fears it may be forced to close after Sandwell Council approved plans for nearly 100 new homes on its industrial site.
Business at Risk
Howells Patent Glazing, which employs 19 people, could be forced out of business when Liberty Developments demolishes industrial buildings at the former F. and L. Smout site in Woods Lane. The approved development includes 82 houses and 15 flats.
Tracey Jackson, speaking on behalf of 79-year-old founder Walter Howells, told councillors there was nowhere suitable to relocate. "There is nowhere for us to go, there is no premises available," she said at last week's planning meeting.
Long-Standing Operations
The company has operated since 1997 and moved to Woods Lane in 2008. Ms Jackson said the compensation offered was insufficient to cover relocation costs and warned that skilled workers might not be able to move with the business.
She highlighted the firm's contribution to the local economy, with most staff employed for over 10 years in skilled manufacturing roles. The business produces specialist glazing products that require specific operating conditions.
Council Decision
Cllr Connor Horton reluctantly approved the application despite having "tremendous sympathy" for the business. He feared rejection would be overturned on appeal by a planning inspector.
The council stated that the quality of the development and its affordable housing provision outweighed concerns about heritage assets and nature conservation land.
