Travelodge and KFC plan goes ahead

Plans for a new Travelodge and KFC that will create a total of 66 jobs in the Black Country have been given the go-ahead despite complaints from residents.

The five-storey hotel and adjoining KFC will be built between two carriageways on the busy A458 in Halesowen after plans were approved last night.

A 93-name petition was drawn up and 21 people wrote to Dudley Council objecting to the development on land between Whitehall Road and Earls Way, fearing it would create noise and congestion.

Speaking at last night's planning committee meeting, Belle Vale councillor Robert James said that residents in Cobham Road were concerned they would be "overshadowed" by the hotel.

He thought hotel customers would resort to parking in nearby residential streets if the 66 space car park was full.

Speaking on behalf of applicants JRG Property Midlands Ltd and Travelodge, Simon Hoare, said: "We feel the hotel will be a useful and attractive addition to the town."

Councillors said that they understand the residents' concerns but felt the hotel would help the regeneration of the area.

Councillor Geoffrey Southall said: "It is a site that needs developing."

A separate application for an adjacent three and four-storey block of 14 apartments with parking next-door to the planned hotel was also agreed at the meeting despite concerns about the type of development

Councillor Margaret Wilson said that she did not believe there was a demand for more flats in the borough.

She said: "There are so many apartments in this borough still lying empty, why on earth do we need to put more up?"

The now-cleared site has previously housed car lots, a taxi base, caravan storage and a two-storey office building.

Six full-time and 10 part-time positions would be available at the hotel, while KFC will be employing 50 full-time and part-time staff.

Applicants pledged to provide litter bins in the surrounding area to help deter people from dropping rubbish, following concerns raised by residents and councillors.

Travelodge have more than 300 hotels throughout the UK and Ireland, including one in Brierley Hill.

It emerged earlier this year that Travelodge was planning to open three new hotels in the West Midlands in a £9.5million deal.

As well as the Halesowen site it wants to develop areas in Birmingham and Tamworth.

Bosses said that they selected the sites for their prime locations near the M6 and M42 motorways.