Move to list baths is being assessed

Heritage bosses are considering whether to grant condemned Coseley baths listed status, a move which could block council plans to demolish the building.

English Heritage confirmed today an application had been lodged requesting that the baths be designated as a site of special architectural, historical or cultural interest. A final decision will be taken by the Government's Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

If the pool in Pear Tree Lane were granted listed status it could pose an obstacle to Dudley Council's plans to reduce the building to rubble.

Special planning permission would then have to be sought to knock down the baths, but any such attempt would almost certainly meet with stern opposition from the DCMS. Chairman of Coseley Civic Trust John Wilkes, who has been involved with the Save Coseley Baths campaign led by Brian Guest, has submitted the application to list the building.

He said it should be retained for its "distinctive" appearance while its 33-metre pool was also worthy of saving. "It would be difficult to find anything quite like Coseley baths anywhere else.

"It is also a larger pool which I think will count in its favour," he said.

English Heritage will make a recommendation on Mr Wilkes' application, which is backed by the Save Coseley Baths group, to the DCMS. Officials refused to say when the decision would be made. Getting the building listed is one of three irons in the fire as campaigners race against time to try and stop bulldozers moving in.

Mr Guest is taking legal advice about mounting a legal bid to prevent the council demolishing the building.

Meanwhile an investigation will be carried out at the baths following claims demolition work had started before permission was granted by Natural England.

Dudley Council had to apply for a licence to knock down the building after a colony of 20 bats was found roosting in the roof.

The licence was granted by Natural England but following concerns raised by the Save Coseley Baths group, officials from the conservation organisation will now visit the baths. The baths closed in August.