Derelict Oldbury shop could be redeveloped into new retail units and accommodation
A derelict Oldbury shop in a “complete state of disrepair” could be transformed, under new plans lodged with council chiefs.
Developer Vinny Singh is looking to build an extension to the old Bowketts of Oldbury shop, in Wolverhampton Road, to create two new retail units on the ground floor and a house in multiple occupation (HMO) for six people above it.
In the application, he said the building – which is part of a row of several shops – was currently in a poor condition.
In 2019, a bid for a licence to convert the property into a new bar operating from 7am to midnight was put forward to Sandwell Council.
But the plan sparked concerns amongst residents and the licence was granted under strict conditions including reduced opening hours than originally hoped.
The current proposal for new retail units and an HMO is now being considered by planning officers at Sandwell Council.
In the application, Mr Singh said: “The site is vacant, derelict and in a complete state of disrepair. Previously it was used as a commercial unit in a row of other commercial units.
Parking
“The proposal will form two retail units facing onto Wolverhampton Road and a high quality HMO above.
“This development will maintain some private parking at the rear for residential use while the retail will make use of parking opportunities to the front.”
As part of the application, Mode Transport Planning said the proposal would not have a negative effect on traffic in the area.
They said: “A review of the existing conditions has demonstrated that the site is highly accessible by sustainable modes of travel, with a good network of footways within the vicinity of the site providing connections with the local residential areas in the vicinity of the site, as well as to a range of local facilities/amenities.
“The site is also located within walking distance of several bus stops, from which a number of high frequency bus services can be accessed, providing regular services to destinations such as Birmingham, Bearwood, Dudley and West Bromwich.
“Two train stations are also located within 1.5km of the site, from which frequent services run to a range of local and regional destinations.
“The proposed development will not have a significant and/or detrimental impact on the operation or safety of the surrounding highway network; therefore the proposal should be considered acceptable on transport and highway grounds.”
