Music fans back Stourbridge bar’s fight against apartments plan
Plans for nine flats on Stourbridge's High Street have led to objections from a popular music venue and its supporters – who fear future residents will complain of noise nuisance.
The Claptrap Bar, in Stourbridge, is opposing converting a former Co-operative store into homes, saying it will have a negative impact on the town's night life.
The bar's objections have been supported by a petition, asking Dudley Council to reject the scheme.
Developers are asking for approval to convert part of the ground and first floor of the former store to create three one-bedroom and six two-bedroom flats. The former store faces onto Stourbridge High Street and the development would run parallel to the venue, which is only metres away.
The bar and 86 music fans have lodged formal objections saying there is no demand for residential apartments in the town centre – claiming they would be too close to the live music venue and residents would suffer disturbance from performing bands.
They have also submitted a petition of 147 signatures, stating: "There is no desire for residential units, as proposed in this application, which does not consciously consider the effect proposals will have on nearby businesses, and we the undersigned ask Dudley Council to object.”
But planning officers have recommended the scheme is approved, saying: “It is considered that the proposed development is acceptable in terms of scale, size and appearance and would not have a detrimental impact on surrounding amenity and the street scene nor raise any highway safety issues and is compliant with adopted Core Strategy policies, Development Strategy policies and the Stourbridge Area Action plan.”
Councillors on Dudley Council's planning committee will make a decision at their next meeting on May 26.
