Apartments plan for old Walsall police station approved
Plans to convert the historic former Darlaston police station into a luxury apartment block has been hailed as a boost to the area.
Members of Walsall Council’s planning committee unanimously voted to give the green light to a proposal by The Bloomfield Group to create eight two-bedroom and four one-bedroom flats within the Victorian building.
The old station’s striking frontage on Crescent Road will not be altered during the transformation.
Ward councillor Angela Underhill told Thursday’s meeting she was pleased the development was coming to fruition.
The historic former police station has been closed for almost three years and changed hands for more than £650,000 at auction
It is believed the station dates back to 1899 but the decision to close it was taken in January 2018 by the office of the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner as part of cost-cutting measures.
In the application, planning agent Adam Design said: “Not only will the building be revitalised with high standard luxury apartments, which will bring much needed living accommodation to Darlaston, this proposal will also enhance the local neighbourhood and community.”
Councillor Underhill said: “I’m really pleased about the application and I know our officers have been working together with the applicant on this.
“There was some talk at one time about changing the front facade but I’m pleased to say that’s not been recommended by officers.
“I’m so pleased that it is happening as it is so good for Darlaston. One thing everyone in Darlaston was worried about was it was going to become a building of multiple occupancy and it’s not.
“They are going to be decent flats and they will be really good for the area.”
