Food court plan for Dudley market gets approval

The plans to remove eight stalls from Dudley market, and replace them with an outdoor dining area and undercover events space, were granted permission by the council's head of planning, Carl Mellor.

Councillor Paul Bradley, deputy leader of Dudley Council, said the plans were about creating a destination to bring visitors into the town.

The market dates back to the 12th century, but has struggled in recent years.

The scheme, drawn up by the council's regeneration department, will see the creation of a fixed seating area, which will be enclosed by glass screens.

Tables will be removed from a further three areas to create space for 'pop-up' stalls and to hold other events.

There will be tables for 24 diners, including spaces for wheelchair users, and high-level tables for people who wish to stand.

The plans were first put forward in March last year, but were withdrawn following concerns about the design. Revised plans were submitted last month.

Councillor Bradley said: “This is about bringing more people into the town centre by broadening the offer for visitors and shoppers.”

The previous plan would have seen the storage building at the Castle Street end of the market reconfigured to create a kitchen space. But this was shelved following advice from planning officers, who said a more 'sympathetic' approach to the existing market was needed.

The new plans would instead see space created for a mobile kitchen, leaving the stone-faces services building unaltered.  

"The proposed changes are part of a wider regeneration strategy to help the town," the application said.

"By integrating a new seating area and providing space for a more flexible arrangement of stalls will create a unique opportunity for Dudley Market to host an array of events for the community arranged under the existing canopy, and protection from any adverse weather.

"Before these proposed changes, it would not be possible to host such events."

The report said previous events hosted by the market had demonstrated a positive impact on local businesses, with increases in takings on event days.

The previous application raised concerns about health risks caused by pigeon droppings, but the new plans will see roof members fitted with spikes to prevent pigeons from roosting.  

The market was extensively redeveloped in 2014, but has been hit by a decline in footfall in recent years.