Plan to build eight new flats in Bilston
Eight new flats are to be built on a vacant stretch of land near Bilston town centre.
Black Country developer Sandeep Bhatia, of Lal Investments Property, was given the go-ahead for the 2/3-storey building on Wellington Road by Wolverhampton Council planners this week.
The site has been left empty for a number of years, with only neighbouring properties using it for occasional parking.
Councillor Beverley Momenabadi said: “I’m really pleased that this vacant land is now being utilised and will create new homes in my ward for people.
“Hundreds of new houses have been built in Ettingshall over the last few years to help meet the growing demand for homes, and I welcome this addition close to Bilston town centre.
“There’s nothing worse than empty land laying unused and dormant; it attracts fly-tipping and a host of other problems, so I’m very pleased work is due to start soon on this development to bring even more homes to the area.”
Agents Thorne Architecture said the new building would be a combination of two and three storeys to fit in with the size and appearance of the late Victorian properties on either side.
“The new apartment block has been designed to be set slightly back from the road,” the company said in a statement.
“Although two-storey, the neighbouring properties have tall roofs and converted attics and enjoy the generous ceiling heights associated with pre-20th Century housing.
“This development will continue the mixture of uses along Wellington Road and introduce a modern building which will contribute to the surroundings.
“The site will be bounded by a low wall and railings to maintain a clear definition between public and private space.
“In terms of parking, the situation for neighbours will revert back to the circumstances which existed when the site was still occupied by buildings,” added the statement.
Once completed, the new building will have eight parking spaces including one disabled, and eight covered spaces for cycles.
The site is served by the 39 and 79 bus routes, providing direct access to nearby Bilston town centre, Wolverhampton, Darlaston, Wednesbury and West Bromwich.
