Dudley Council is set to decide on a planning application that could see the historic Gornal Athletic football stadium demolished to make way for 37 new homes. The club’s current ground on Garden Walk in Gornalwood will become vacant at the end of the season as they relocate to a new home on Burton Road, Dudley.
Housing Proposals
The application, submitted by Creative Planning on behalf of the club, proposes six different dwelling types, ranging from semi-detached houses for four people to large detached homes for up to seven residents. Four properties would be classified as affordable homes. The development would be accessed from Ranscombe Drive.
A statement from Creative Planning said: “The site is proposed to be redeveloped in its entirety, with all existing structures and floodlights removed. The proposal is sustainably located within close proximity to existing services and facilities. The development will make best use of the site, providing much-needed housing and affordable housing. The sale and development of the application site is directly funding the club’s move to a better stadium with better facilities, and the football club is fully in support of redeveloping the site.”
Consultation Responses
Highway development project engineer David Jacobs raised concerns about the layout of roads and pathways, describing the vehicular access as “pedestrian unfriendly.” The Black Country Integrated Care Board has no initial objections but is seeking a £37,000 contribution to fund local healthcare provision for additional residents.
Mining Legacy
The site lies in a former coal mining area, with four shafts identified on the site and a further 35 shafts within 100 metres of the proposed development. Creative Planning said survey work would be required to identify shafts, and plans to fill them would need to be produced prior to construction.
Club History
Gornal Athletic traces its history to the post-war era of the 1940s, although it may have been formed from clubs playing in the region as far back as the 1890s. The club’s move to a new stadium is contingent on the sale of the current site for housing.
