Flats plan for former doctor’s surgery in Great Barr

The empty former doctor’s surgery in Newton Road, Great Barr, would be transformed into eight new flats if plans by Fareeh Miah are approved by Sandwell Council.

The doctor’s surgery has been empty following a move by the previous GPs to the Scott Arms Medical Centre in Great Barr – around a mile away.

The now-empty surgery would be converted into eight flats. The work includes a two-storey front extension, single and two-storey side extension and a loft conversion.

Eight parking spaces would be provided alongside the flats – two fewer than are currently in place under the building’s previous use.

The application said the design of the building and the flats went through several revisions before being submitted to Sandwell Council.

A statement included with the application said: “The proposal provides for eight one-bed apartments, six of which are within the existing envelope of the existing building.

"Two apartments formed within a modest first-floor extension. The design introduces stylish duplex living for the first-floor apartments where bedroom spaces are within the mezzanine level.

“On balance, it can be seen that this proposal will offer a quality development, contributing to the much-needed housing stock within the vicinity in a manner that would complement and enhance the character and setting of the local area, whilst remaining compatible with the surrounding land uses.

“In particular, the proposals are considered to meet the following opportunities afforded by the site location: contribution to the expansion of the existing settlement through the introduction of much-needed residential properties; responding to, complementing and enhancing the local built character; and improving local access to a non-designated heritage asset.

“Overall, it is considered that the proposed development accords with both national and local planning policies and it is advised that a grant of planning permission is justified.”