Dudley Post Office site plan backed for approval
Plans to turn a listed former post office base in Dudley into a block of apartments have been backed for approval by council officers.
Members of Dudley Council's development control committee will be recommended to give the £1.58 million scheme the go-ahead next week. The Palazzo style building, at the corner of Wolverhampton Street and Priory Road, was last used as a nightclub called Nulla Nulla a decade ago, but has since been empty.
Developer Parkstone Group submitted a planning application to the council to convert the three-storey building into 21 one-bedroom flats earlier this year.
The firm claims the frontage of the Grade II-listed building would be largely unaltered except from the replacement of the front doors. The rear of the building would be extended, with balconies created on the second and third floors.
Inside, the basement would be turned into a car park for four four vehicles, while alterations would be carried out on each level to accommodate the living space.
English Heritage has objected to the proposal over the design of a ramp leading to the main entrance, claiming it would harm the building's appearance. In response, the firm changed its plans to remove the ramp.
In a report recommending approval, the council officers said: "The change of use of this vacant former post office and later nightclub to 21 flats is considered to be acceptable in principle.
"It is considered that the impact upon the building and its setting is also acceptable."
However, officers have said the approval should be subject to a parking management plan being introduced to stop motorists causing congestion by competing over the four spaces.
In the planning application, Cerda Planning, agents for Parkstone Group, said: "The proposed change of use will, wherever possible, work within the confines of the historic fabric of the building.
"Original walls, internal openings and architectural features that exist will be retained."
Parkstone Group said the current value of the Grade II listed building is £500,000.
The building is of Palazzo style architecture and is based on the palaces built by wealthy families during the Italian Renaissance.
It ceased being used as a post office in 1986.
Dudley Council's development control committee will decide on the planning application on Monday night.
