Homes planned for Gornal factory site

Up to 50 homes have been earmarked for part of the Sovereign Works trading estate in Lower Gornal.

An initial application has been lodged for a residential development by J&J Properties.

If approved, a factory unit on the Deepdale Lane site would be flattened to make way for the new homes.

However, a site investigation will have to be carried out before any work can be carried out amid concerns over possible coal mines in the area.

Many old mines are known to be in the Gornal area, with one causing part of the road to collapse in Bull Street in 2015.

Developers said they were confident the risks could be 'adequately managed'.

The Sovereign Works was formerly home to Alfred Allen's Industrial Fabrications, which was once one of the largest employers in the area.

Ward councillor Ken Finch said new homes were needed and the development would also provide construction jobs.

He said: "Anything that brings employment to the area I have got to support and as long as residents in the area are made aware of it I see no problem.

"I'm all in favour of affordable housing for the area and rented accommodation. There is big demand in the area."

Councillor Finch believes coal mines could be a concern.

He said: "There are a lot of mines. In Deepdale Lane, there is a big one down there. There was a mine that opened up a couple of years ago, it is an issue."

A design statement submitted with the plans said: "The property is located in a predominantly residential area although the Sovereign Works site located just to the north is significance in size.

"It is proposed that in time and with the necessary permissions that the site is redeveloped for residential use in line with other land uses in the immediate locality.

"At this time no detailed plans have been drawn however it is proposed that the site is redeveloped for residential use.