Rethink on Cradley retirement village bid
Plans for an £18 million retirement village on the site of a former school in Cradley have been scaled back amid concerns expressed by residents.
There had been fears that the proposed four-storey building would tower over neighbouring properties. But developer Midland Heart has now submitted revised plans for the former Cradley High School site to Dudley Council. They have now designed the complex, which is earmarked for land off Homer Hill Road, to fit on three floors.
Among those who had objected to the original proposals was Councillor Tim Crumpton, who said he was concerned the development would dominate the skyline and look out of place because of the security fencing which would be put up around it.
Midland Heart's deputy director of new business and development, Nick Byrne, said today: "We are committed to working with the local community throughout any new development, and we have carefully listened to the concerns raised following lengthy public consultation.
"We have worked closely with our partners at Dudley Council to make significant changes to the proposed plans. These include reducing the original four-storey building to three floors and moving the building further away from the homes of nearby residents."
The development will include 130 apartments and employ more than 40 staff.
There will also be communal areas, such as a gym and cafe. The proposals include a separate development for 11 homes.
The scheme has previously attracted criticism from Jennie Dunn, who sits on the board of governors at Cradley CE Primary School, which is near the proposed development site.
She was concerned there would not be enough parking spaces for the number of residents, staff and visitors.
