Restaurant and shops plan for crumbling Walsall building
A crumbling Black Country building which has been left without a roof and in a state of disrepair for two decades could become a new restaurant and shops.
Walsall Council’s planning committee is being asked to approve a plan from developer Hope and Barons Ltd to completely redevelop the property on Hope Street, in Walsall.
If agreed, the new site will house a restaurant and two shop units with five apartments being created on the first floor.
A proposal for the scheme which would have included demolishing the whole building was due to be considered by members back in 2018.
But the applicants were advised it would be recommended for refusal as the building was locally listed and they were invited to come up with an alternative plan.
The revised scheme will see the front of the building, facing onto Caldmore Road, retained and outbuildings at the back demolished to make way for redevelopment.
Stan Ceney, agent for the developer, said: “The original building has been vacant for at least 20 years and is in poor state of repair and the rear gardens are overgrown with weeds and partly demolished buildings.
“There is no roof on the original building and the internal rooms are either missing or partly demolished.
“The site is within a short walk to shops and public transport. There are public car parking, again within eight minute walking distance.
“We assert the project will provide a better alternative to the existing site and provide many positive benefits for the site and the wider community.”
When the proposal was originally put forward, two objections were received from neighbours about the fact there were already enough food shops in the area and concerns over parking in Hope Street.
But when the revised scheme was presented and a second consultation carried out, no objections were presented.
A report to committee said: “The existing building is derelict causing harm to the character and appearance of the area.
“Whilst the opportunity to develop the site is welcomed, its redevelopment should take the opportunity to improve the character of the area.”
Committee will meet on Thursday where members are asked to approve subject to conditions.
