Dudley Council has granted final approval for a block of ten one-bedroom flats on a heritage site in Stourbridge, following design amendments that modernised the development. Outline permission for the vacant land on the north side of Bradley Road was originally approved in October 2022, with planners now signing off on the detailed application.
Development Details and Design Changes
The application proposes an L-shaped two-storey building containing ten one-bedroom apartments, each designed for two occupants, situated adjacent to Stourside Hospital. A report from council planning officers noted: "The design of the development has been amended to introduce a mix of materials and design features including overhanging eaves to achieve a more modern residential development." The report added that these features "help bring a more visual interest to the elevations, assist in breaking up the visual mass and balancing the proposed change in building scale." The modern design was deemed acceptable given the adjacent contemporary-style buildings.
Heritage and Conservation
The site lies within the Stourbridge Canal Conservation Area. Despite its heritage status, Dudley's Historic Environment Team raised no objections to the plan, indicating that the development is compatible with the area's character.
Brierley Hill Care Home Rejected
Separately, plans to convert a private home in Brierley Hill into a children's residential care home have been rejected. The application for change of use at Trinity Street was dismissed after Dudley Council planners concluded the applicant failed to provide sufficient operational details. Notes confirming the rejection stated: "The applicant has failed to provide sufficient information regarding the operation of the proposed children's care home, including details of staffing levels, shift patterns, overnight supervision, visitor activity and day-to-day management arrangements." The council also cited inadequate off-street parking and existing parking pressures in the area, preventing an assessment of parking demand and highway safety.
