Wartime bunker to be transformed after planning appeal

London City Bond Limited has now been given the go-ahead for a change of use of Drakelow Tunnels, beneath Kingsford Country Park, near Kidderminster, after a successful appeal against plans that were originally refused.

The company has also been granted permission for a change of use to provide a museum at the site.

Wyre Forest District Council refused a planning application last year because of concerns about the number of movements of heavy goods vehicles, the number of parking spaces and vehicles using narrow local roads near the Green Belt site.

But London City Bond Limited appealed against refusal of planning permission in November.

Now planning inspector Adrian Hunter has allowed the appeal for the development which will see two porta-cabins put up to provide office space and security accommodation, car and cycle spaces and new entrance gates and fencing.

An existing metal structure will be refurbished to provide a reception canopy and work carried out to a disused electricity sub-station to provide alternative bat habitats. The go-ahead for the development will also see a change of use of part of the tunnel space for a museum.

Planned car parking spaces will be reduced from 40 to 22.

In his report the Inspector placed conditions on the company calling for a Construction Management Plan to be submitted to ensure the living conditions of local residents were not affected or highway safety compromised.