New homes plan for old library car park in Walsall

RH Development (Midlands) Ltd wants to erect the two-bedroom properties on the old Walsall Wood Library on the corner of Lichfield Road and Coppice Road.

This follows a previous application by another developer to redevelop the actual building and create 15 new apartments in its place.

Walsall Wood Library was one of nine community facilities that were axed in 2017 by the then administration in the wake of financial pressures.

Planning agent Integrated Designs & Associates said the new semi-detached properties would boost the area and revitalise the vacant land.

They said: “The proposal will respect the neighbouring two storey form of the buildings along Coppice Road and will be sympathetic to the immediate local area in the choice of building materials.

“This development will improve the appearance of the site which is well maintained but currently detracts from the well-kept properties and landscaping locally.

“The addition of four homes helps to support local services and the local public transport system to the benefit of the local economy.

“Access to jobs and key services such as shops, schools, hospitals, and surgeries are conveniently located from the proposed site reducing travel distances and dependence on the car.

"Occupiers would rely on most of their daily needs being met within walking distance, and for further travel journeys have easy access to public transport and the national transport infrastructure.

“The development provides residential accommodation in a highly sustainable location and brings a under used site back into efficient use without overburdening the existing infrastructure and local facilities.

“We believe that the proposals add to the well-established local area where the demand for good quality residential accommodation is desperately required.”