Flats plan for former deaf centre in Walsall
A former deaf person’s centre and social club in Walsall could be converted into more than a dozen new apartments.
Proposals have been submitted to Walsall Council planners which will see the old Walsall Deaf Centre in Lichfield Street become a residential development of 14 flats, if approved.
The plan involves converting the existing semi-detached centre and demolishing the club to make way for a new block behind.
In total, this would create nine one-bedroom and five two-bedroom apartments in the development.
According to its website, Walsall Deaf People’s Centre decided to close and sell off the Lichfield Road facility at an emergency meeting in May 2019.
Reasons for the closure included a decreasing number of deaf people using the building, making it more difficult to apply for funding.
Income
The centre also suffered income losses on services such as British Sign Language classes and room hire.
In the application, agent Paul Clifton said: “The site was formerly the offices for the Walsall Deaf People’s Association and to the rear the associations social club. The centre closed and has lain empty since.
“This application seeks permission to convert the remaining part of the pair of semi-detached properties into two two-bedroom apartments.
“Following demolition of the rear building the proposal is to construct a three-storey block containing nine one bedroom apartments and three two bedroom apartments.
“The three storey apartment block would be positioned roughly on the footprint of the original building.
“The site is within walking distance of the town centre close to main arterial routes and thus well served by public transport.
“The site is within easy reach of educational, community and recreational facilities infant, junior and secondary schools, recreation and community facilities are also local.”
