Vandal-hit substation to become industrial unit

Dudley Council planners gave the green light to a proposal by Cami International Ltd to change the use of The Old Substation on The Hayes in Lye.

The MEB facility was decommissioned some time ago and the building is still considered to be of local historical importance.

But the applicants said it had become targeted for anti-social behaviour and that redeveloping the site would provide a boost for the area and preserve the building.

A heritage statement said the Old Substation was part of the East Lye Chain Making and Galvanising district ‘Area of High Historic Townscape Value’.

Agents Tru-Plan Design Ltd said: “The site is in the heart of an industrial area in Lye and is surrounded by numerous business parks and industrial units.

“The proposed use of the building will be consistent with the immediate surrounding area, support the economic and employment objectives of the Black Country Core Strategy and allow for a historic industrial building to be preserved and incorporated into a new development, enhancing local distinctiveness.

“The site will be rented by the applicant to a single small business for general industrial use.

“The substation building has been subject to numerous break-ins and vandal attacks, which can be verified through police records.

“The applicant is therefore conscious of balancing sympathetic modifications with security, crime prevention, functionality and commercial viability.”

Planning officer Stephanie Hollands said: “This former substation is considered to be a heritage asset and is worthy of retention.

“As its former use as a substation is now defunct a new use needs to be secured. Given its location within a predominantly industrial area its change of use to general industry is considered to be acceptable.

“The alterations to the front elevation are considered to be sensitive to the original building whilst enabling the building to have a new function.”