Housing plans described as ‘eyesore replacing an eyesore’
A plan to demolish a disused factory in Netherton and replace it with housing has been attacked as "an eyesore replacing an eyesore" by opponents.
Plans to build 35 properties on St Peter’s Road has drawn criticism from residents living nearby who say the proposal for three storey buildings will overlook their properties and rob them of their privacy.
An application to Dudley Council by Village Partnerships Ltd is seeking planning permission to build 21 houses, two maisonettes and 12 flats with a total of 43 parking spaces.
A statement supporting the plan claims the scheme will provide rentable homes on an existing brownfield site.
The developers said: “The proposed development provides the opportunity to reuse a previously developed site, regenerating a prominent corner site and providing a high-quality, residential development.
“The proposals regenerate an existing low quality employment land providing much needed affordable dwellings to contribute to the housing supply which is entirely in keeping with national and local planning policy."
But the application has lead to protests from residents who fear the the plans would effect exiting boundary walls and fences, overlook their homes and invade their privacy.
One objector wrote it would be "just another hideous blot on the landscape, and there are no buildings like this in direct vicinity".
A second letter of objection said: “The factories I agree are an eyesore and I would like to see the land developed, But the original plans were for houses. The proposed three story apartments will be just another eyesore, and something nobody up my street will want!"
The application will now now go Dudley Council’s development control committee for a final decision.