New homes on Coseley Baths site given the go-ahead
'Desperately needed' homes will be built on the site of a former swimming baths seven years after they were controversially closed. Opponents to the scheme claim their concerns have been ignored.
Dudley Council have given the go-ahead to erect 28 houses on the land in Pear Tree Lane, four more than the original application.
Councillors took issue with the increase - with one claiming it was 'a return to the Victorian era' of crammed housing. The new design has shortened some of the gardens but was approved by the planning committee by four votes to one, with two abstentions.
Ward councillor Susan Ridney said: "Seven years ago I stood on the steps of those baths when you were trying to close them but the site has been empty ever since.
"I think this is an appropriate use of the site but I do have concerns over the number of properties. I feel you're trying to squeeze too many in."
The inclusion of four more homes followed a viability assessment on the site carried out on behalf of Public Sector PLC, a private company part owned by Dudley Council, the committee heard.
The development will now feature a mix of two, three and four-bedroom homes with existing access to the baths site to be retained.
Planning chairwoman Councillor Jackie Cowell said: "The layout is not excessive in terms of overall numbers, and housing is desperately needed. The plan is not so cramped as to be detrimental to the householders."
The 1.5 acre plot has become overgrown since the baths were bulldozed in 2010 despite widespread opposition and an acrimonious campaign to save them.
Seven years on, residents have fought a new battle to stop the site being used for housing, claiming it is protected by a covenant from the Clayton family, industrialists who owned substantial tracts of land in Coseley in the 1800s and 1900s.
After the meeting, resident Tina Sheldon, of The Paddock, which adjoins the site, said: "The Clayton family donated the land to the community for use as a public facility, and the land registry has confirmed it.
"I'm shocked that our objections were not even read out at the meeting. We have emailed the council with out concerns and handed in a petition but with no response."
Claire Busby, also of The Paddock, said: "Children use the area all the time to play on, and it's really busy with the footballers."
