Dudley Council planning officers have approved the conversion of a vacant clothes factory into a community centre, according to a report. The building on Blackacre Road, vacant since 2022, will be transformed to include educational facilities, a prayer room, and a library.
Planning Approval Details
The change of use application was recommended for approval by council officers, who stated that the development would bring the vacant building back into viable use without demonstrable harm to residential amenity. The two-storey building had been empty for four years before the application was submitted.
Objections and Concerns
The application received one letter of objection from a Blackacre Road resident, raising concerns about noise, parking, and traffic. The resident noted that parking is already at a premium in the area and expressed fears that the new development would increase pressure. The objector also mentioned cars parked on the grounds even when the building appeared empty, resembling a used car lot.
Educational Programme
According to a statement submitted in support of the application, the classrooms will operate from 4:30pm to 7:30pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 12pm on Saturday. They will be used for Islamic teaching, computer classes, maths, and English. A small, supervised library area will be provided solely for enrolled students, with access restricted to registered students during designated hours and managed by staff at all times. No general public access is proposed.
Amendments and Mitigations
In response to concerns, amended plans were submitted that revised the parking layout, increased the width of the access, and removed a previously proposed food bank facility from the development. The applicant also stated that users of the facility will primarily live locally and are expected to access the premises on foot or by bicycle.
Council Officers' Report
The officers' report concluded that the proposed development would bring a vacant building back into viable use and would not cause demonstrable harm to residential amenity. The approval allows the community centre to proceed with its educational and religious activities.
