Posh Tettenhall flats branded just bog-standard

Hartley House has opened in Wergs Road, Tettenhall, as part of the David Wilson Homes Woodthorne development.

The three-storey block of 12 apartments has been modelled on Woodthorne House, a large stately home that stood near the site until it was demolished in the 1970s.

Bosses say the development was painstakingly designed to 'capture the essence' of the original building.

But Councillor Jonathan Yardley says the finished building 'in no way' justifies the upheaval caused by the work.

"For a start it is absolutely nothing like the original," said Mr Yardley, who represents Tettenhall Regis for the Tories.

"This whole development has been mired in controversy. We have lost 200 trees, more than 70 of which were the subject of Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs).

"Hartley House overlooks people's homes and has caused major problems with light pollution.

"It's just a bog standard, spec-built, mundane, run-of-the-mill apartment block."

When plans for the development were initially unveiled more than 60 people, including Wolves vice-president Baroness Rachael Heyhoe Flint, sent letters of objection to Wolverhampton council.

The apartments were officially opened by the Mayor and Mayoress of Wolverhampton last week.

Mayor Councillor Ian Brookfield said: "The apartments and the whole development have a lovely feel and it is a fantastic addition to the community."

Philippa Stewart, sales manager at David Wilson Homes Mercia, said: "In designing Hartley House we really wanted to capture the essence of the original Woodthorne House and firmly establish a link with the history of the site."

David Wilson Homes Mercia, part of Barratt Homes, bought the land off food testing company Eurofins UK, who had moved onto the cleared site but are now located on the i54 Business Park.

Prices start at £330,000 for a two-bedroom ground floor apartment at Hartley House, with homes including open plan living space, kitchen, dining and lounge areas with a separate laundry room.