Dudley Council planners are set to rule on a proposal to convert a former coffin warehouse in Halesowen into a soft play area for young children. The unit on Victoria Road, owned by FP Gaunt & Sons funeral directors, could be transformed into a small-scale facility accommodating a maximum of eight children at a time.
The building was originally used for manufacturing coffins but has served as storage for stock coffins and related items for the past 15 years. Company directors have been seeking tenants for the unit over the last year and have thrown their support behind the application, describing it as a 'positive outcome' for the site.
Planning application details
The change-of-use application, submitted by Spencer-Reynolds Architecture on behalf of the owners, argues that the current industrial use is becoming increasingly problematic due to its proximity to residential properties. The statement notes that this proximity limits the type and intensity of industrial operations that can reasonably occur on site without causing amenity concerns.
The proposal is described as a 'carefully controlled, small-scale development' that fits the residential context. It would utilise existing car parking for up to eight vehicles and is expected to create three new jobs. The architects' statement insists the scheme would not undermine residential amenity, highway safety, or the character of the area, and therefore aligns with relevant planning policies.
Local context and other applications
This application comes amid other planning activity in Halesowen. In a separate case, planners have refused an application to demolish an office block on Stourbridge Road to make way for a pharmaceutical warehouse. That revised scheme proposed a storage and distribution hub, with Gould Singleton Architects arguing it represented a 'well-considered form of development' supporting sustainable growth and employment.
However, council planners rejected the proposal, ruling that the facility would not provide a retail, service, or community function to the Hawne local centre. They also deemed it excessive in scale, massing, and design, and said it failed to demonstrate safe and suitable access for all users.
Potential impact on the community
If approved, the soft play area would offer a new recreational option for families in Halesowen, particularly those with young children. The small-scale nature of the facility, limited to eight children, suggests an intimate setting that could complement existing local amenities. The creation of three jobs, while modest, would provide a small boost to local employment.
The decision rests with Dudley Council planners, who will weigh the benefits of the proposed use against any potential concerns from nearby residents. The outcome will be closely watched by local families and business owners alike.
