Tipton canalside apartments set for approval

Tyler Grange PRS Ltd wants to create 50 flats by the side of the waterway on land off Factory Road and help breathe new life into the area.

Plans submitted to Sandwell Council include converting the Grade II listed The Boat Gauging House, which dates back to 1873, and demolishing two other 1960s buildings to make way for the development.

Officers are recommending members of the authority’s planning committee grant permission subject to conditions when they meet on Wednesday.

But the plans have met with some opposition from residents who are worried about the negative impact on the area, loss of features in the historic building and issues of overlooking and lost privacy,

Officers said the area has been vacant for a number of years and The Boat Gauging House has fallen into a state of disrepair due to lack of use.

Planning agents Bharya Design and Build Consultancy said: “The site has historically been used for industrial and storage purposes, together with moorings in the adjacent canal.

“It is currently occupied by three buildings: a Grade II Listed building -The Boat Gauging House, dating back to 1873; a two storey 1960’s brick building; a single storey 1960’s brick building housing a uPVC window and door manufacturer, recently damaged by a fire.

“All three buildings are in a poor state of repair, and the access yard is unsightly and potentially contaminated.

“It is proposed that the Grade II Listed building is to be restored and converted into four residential units, whilst the other two industrial buildings are to be demolished, as they are of little or no architectural or archaeological merit.

“There is a strong argument that the removal of these two ‘modern’ buildings would benefit the appearance and character of the area.

“Also, the two storey building, immediately west of the Listed Building is partly built over the inlet access, which allowed the narrow boats to access the Gauging House.

“This building also obstructs views of the historic building from the canal. Therefore, by demolishing this building, this area can be opened up, allowing views from the waterway towards the Listed Building, greatly enhancing the character of the area and respecting the heritage of the canals.

“The unique position of the site, at the junction of the two canals, makes it highly suitable for residential development, and provides an ideal opportunity for the regeneration of this historic site, adding value to the waterway environment and benefiting the local community as a whole.

“In order to maximise the development potential, whilst at the same time respecting the historic nature of the site, it was considered that apartments would be the most appropriate form of development.”

They added that The Boat Gauging House will be converted into four apartments while two new blocks – housing 36 flats in one and 10 in the other – will be constructed on site.

There will be a total of 32 two-bedroom apartments, 16 one-bed and two studio flats once the development is complete.

They added: “The proposed new development will positively address the waterway, providing attractive views into the site.

“At the same time, the new buildings will overlook the canal and open space, providing natural surveillance and policing.

“The proportion and scale of the proposed buildings have been designed to respect the heritage of the waterway and the existing buildings along the canal, particularly the Grade II Listed Gauging House.”

A report to Sandwell Council planning committee said: “The regeneration of this site would enhance the setting of the canal and the conservation area, would result in much needed new homes within Sandwell, given the current housing shortfall, and would also restore the listed building with a long-term use that would ensure its future maintenance.”