Tipton station car park revamp moves closer
Expansion work to more than double the size of the car park at Tipton railway station could get under way within months after plans were officially submitted.
More than 100 new spaces will be created under plans to provide more room for commuters and shoppers.
Transport chiefs are keen to increase the capacity of the car park at the station, which is full by 8.20am on most days.
Just a short hop from Wolverhampton and Birmingham, it is routinely used by commuters and the lack of available spaces has led to drivers parking on nearby side streets, causing a nuisance to residents.
The major expansion plans were first revealed last year by Centro, now Transport for West Midlands, and it is hoped work will be able to start as soon as possible now the proposals have been formally submitted.
The scheme was backed locally following a consultation.
The move would increase capacity of the car park, off Owen Street, to 183 spaces. It currently has just 76. Five spaces would be for disabled access.
Tipton councillor Ian Jones said the scheme would be a huge boost for the area.
He said: "There was a consultation and everybody seemed to be happy with it.
It is now moving forward with the next stage being planning consent.
"Hopefully they will be allowed to build it and bring great benefits to the area and the streets which are full of cars parking for the station, areas like Roberts Road and Stella Road where residents have been unhappy.
"I understand it will be a safe car park with security measures in place such as cameras.
"We need this for residents and I wish it a speedy start."
The plans will now be scrutinised by planning experts before a final decision on the expansion is made.
A statement submitted with the plans said: "The introduction of new car parking spaces at Tipton has the potential to encourage increased commuting by rail by enhancing the attractiveness of rail travel from this station thereby reducing existing and future car trips between Tipton and Birmingham, Walsall and Wolverhampton."
In a separate project Sandwell councillors have this week welcomed work starting to clear land ahead of the proposed multi-million pound extension of the Midland Metro from Wednesbury to Brierley Hill.
The line will be nearly seven miles long and has the potential to open up a huge regeneration corridor through Hill Top, Great Bridge and Tipton.
