Plans to turn Dudley industrial site into canal-side housing development given go-ahead
A “brilliant idea” to turn a disused Netherton industrial site into a canal-side housing development of more than 90 homes has been given the green light.
Members of Dudley Council’s development control committee granted outline planning permission to Jahama Estates for 93 houses to be built on the land of Marriott Street.
The site previously was home to a factory but has lain empty for some time and, at a meeting on Wednesday, committee members said they welcomed the plans.
Councillor Elaine Taylor said: “This lies on the border of my ward and something we have been waiting for for a long time.
“Residents who live around this factory site have long wanted this to be redeveloped.
“The noise from the factory, I could hear it from where I live in Northfield Road, so this is a welcome use for this site.”
She added she would want to see planning officers impose conditions to address concerns raised about the main access to the development as well as the installation of traffic calming measures on Marriott Road.
But overall, she said she was in support of the redevelopment.
'Convenient'
Councillor Chris Neale added: “I think this is a great use of a brownfield site and exactly what we’d like to see happen.
“The residents surrounding it are all for it which is good. To change a site which isn’t being used at the moment into housing is a brilliant idea.”
Developers had previously submitted plans for 112 homes on the site but this was considered too many and the revised proposal is now backed by planning officers.
The revised scheme attracted several objections around the loss of employment land and potential for anti-social behaviour as a result of the new pathways and open space created within the development.
But, in a report to committee, officers said the development was acceptable in principle.
Planning agents Corstorphine & Wright said: “The site is in a convenient and sustainable location, and the development will reinforce existing links and create new connections to the wider area.
“The design has considered issues of accessibility and security by creating a welcoming and inclusive environment.
“It also incorporates principles of sustainability, creating a neighbourhood that will evolve overtime.”
