Plans backed to turn former Wolverhampton police station into apartments

Plans to convert the former Birmingham Road police station into a block of 32 apartments were rejected in May this year, when they went before the city council's planning committee.

The latest application is for 28 flats, with parking spaces increased from 16 to 18 and has been recommended for approval at the next planning committee meeting on November 18.

The plans have been slated by one councillor who also voiced his concerns regarding the initial proposition.

Councillor John Rowley has said he will have to declare himself unavailable to take part in the discussion after being particularly vocal the first time they were rejected.

He said: "This has put me in a difficult situation because I have voted against this before and my stance has not changed.

"I do not think this site is suitable for residential development, it will become a slum of the future.

"There will be traffic on all sides, issues with road safety, noise and pollution.

"I can't see anybody wanting to live on a traffic island and I am bitterly disappointed this has been put forward for approval."

The former police station, which occupies a prominent location on the approach to the Wolverhampton ring road, has been empty for the past two years.

The developer, Mr K Samra, wants to build 13 one bedroom and 15 two bedroom apartments on the site.

Under the new application, the layout has been amended to include pockets of communal landscaped areas.

One representation has already been received, objecting on the grounds that the apartments would create the potential for noise complaints and that the smell from commercial uses could restrict businesses.

A report by planning officer Tracey Homffray had recommended the scheme for approval.

She said that it is important the site is brought back into use rather than fall into dereliction and that the proposal is acceptable due to it creating homes near to the city centre.

Miss Homfray also said a condition requiring a noise and air quality study is required.

However, Councillor Rowley, whose Blakenhall ward covers the site, said he was not convinced that there would be sufficient space for people to relax outside their home.

"There is no space for people to relax, take the dog for a walk or for children to play.

"You would be lucky to get a deckchair on the doorstep.

"The proposal may well be granted but I believe it will come back to haunt the council if so."