Former working mens club in Cannock to be turned into apartments

Cannock Chase planning bosses have been recommended to approve plans for the former Wimblebury Working Mens Club when they meet for a planning committee meeting next week.

Globe Homes, a housing firm based in Lichfield, wants to build 18 apartments on the Glover Street site.

The proposed development comprises two and three-story blocks with associated parking and amenity areas.

A report prepared by JMA Architects on behalf of Globe Homes states: "The wider area is predominantly residential in character and comprises mainly two-storey detached and semi-detached dwellings.

"The design process has investigated a number of solutions to the development of the site and we feel the proposed layout and design represents the correct solution to the site.

"The proposals accommodate the removal of the trees and there replacement as part of the overall landscaping of the site. The scheme incorporates a number of new trees and a large private amenity area.

"The amenity space is bounded by a new beech hedge to provide an attractive boundary to the development and give screening of the garden area from the open space and play areas beyond.

"The site incorporates extensive shrub planting to the car park and entrance areas to break up the mass of the hard surfaced areas and give an attractive frontage to the development."

The site is adjacent to the Brickworks Nature Reserve and will have 26 parking spaces for the 18 apartments.

The proposals also include plans for a cycle store.

JMA's report added: "The site is in a sustainable location and its development for residential use is consistent with planning policy and will allow for easy movement of pedestrians and cyclists due to the close proximity of amenities. It is not therefore considered that any undue harm to highway or pedestrian safety would be caused as a result of the proposed development.

"The proposals provide a for a high degree of landscaping and amenity and will accommodate the requirements in respect of protected species. Full ground investigation reports will be carried out to identify any contaminated ground issues and these will be dealt with appropriately.

"The proposals will bring back into beneficial use a currently vacant brownfield site which is in accordance with recognised planning policy and we would request that it be considered favourably."

Cannock Chase District Council planning officers have recommended the plans be approved. They were due to be approved back in March but the planning committee deferred making a decision so Globe Homes could reduce the height of the proposed three-storey block.