Dudley councillors on the planning committee have been praised for refusing to be 'led by the nose' after they voted to defer a controversial application to convert a former care home into social housing. The decision came during a meeting on July 28, where members opted to visit the site themselves before making a final ruling.
Application details and opposition
The application sought to convert The Woodlands, a 17-bedroom care home on Bridle Road in Wollaston, into four self-contained flats and a five-bedroom detached house. The plan attracted significant opposition, including a petition with 104 signatures. Concerns raised included the potential for the development to become a house in multiple occupation (HMO), increased crime, negative impact on the character of the area, and traffic congestion.
Despite these objections, a report from council officers recommended approval, stating: 'The proposal has been assessed against all relevant material planning considerations and is considered acceptable in respect of design, character and appearance, heritage impacts, residential amenity, highway safety, parking, ecology, biodiversity, arboriculture and drainage.' Officers also clarified that the application was not for an HMO and that any future HMO application would require separate consent.
Councillor's praise and site visit decision
Speaking after the meeting, Wollaston councillor Andrew Tromans, who was among the objectors, said: 'I am grateful to councillors on the planning committee for their refusal to be led by the nose on this application. They will make their own minds up using the evidence of their eyes and ears, not directives from bureaucrats.'
During the meeting, Cllr Tromans highlighted parking issues, noting: 'Parking is already at a premium in this street, buses frequently become delayed because of parked vehicles. This development would add further traffic to an already congested road, if you want to understand how busy Bridle Road can be, come and see it at school pick up or drop off time.' He added: 'You do not need to be spoon fed by officers to make up your own mind.'
Traffic and highways concerns
Cllr Alex Dale questioned whether traffic studies had been conducted, asking: 'Is there anything on paper to say we counted traffic in that area, have any studies been done?' He was told that an officer had visited the site and that the council's highways officer had raised no objections. Despite these reassurances, committee members voted to defer a decision until they could inspect the site personally.
Architect Stuart Dudley, representing the applicant, defended the proposal, saying: 'The proposal represents a sensitive and substantial change of use and conversion of a vacant care home into a social housing scheme.'
Next steps
The planning committee will now schedule a site visit before making a final decision on the application. The deferral allows councillors to assess the location and surrounding area firsthand, addressing concerns raised by residents and local representatives.
