Fears that new apartment scheme would overlook nursery and affect worshippers
Residents are worried a proposed new apartment block in Walsall will overlook a nursery and impact a nearby mosque if it gets the go-ahead.
Developers EDS Couriers are looking to erect the three storey, 14-flat development on the site of a temporary car wash facility on Wednesbury Road in Walsall.
They said the apartments would deliver high quality and affordable homes as well as being a “vibrant” addition to the area.
But people living nearby disagree and have submitted a string of objections to Walsall Council planners urging them to reject the proposal.
A report to the authority’s planning committee, which meets next Thursday, said a 47-name petition has been submitted in opposition.
The report cited the issues: “Loss of light will directly affect the worshippers and children who access the facilities at Masjid Al-Farauq and residents of 8-30 Milton Street.
“(The) three-storey building will directly overlook into the houses of residents in Milton Street leading to loss of privacy, as well as overlooking the Abu Bakr Nursery across the road.
“Not enough parking for the occupants of the proposal and it will affect the flow of traffic in an area inundated with traffic issues.”
A further 21 separate objections were also submitted echoing these views and raising issues such as increased density in a built up area, no need for new housing, increased noise and community safety and potential crime issues.
Despite this, planning officers are advising members to grant permission for the proposals as they don’t believe the development will have an adverse impact on neighbours.
They added there had been previous concerns with original plans for the developments but were now happy they had been addressed and a more acceptable design put forward.
The report said: “Officers have worked with the applicant and their agents positively and creatively to provide an opportunity to address the concerns raised by the council and by consultees and interested parties.
“A satisfactory way forward has been negotiated and the amendments have been submitted which overcome previous concerns to the extent that the application can now be supported.
“Taking into account the above factors it is considered that the application should be recommended for approval subject to conditions.”
Planning agent J Mason Associates said: “The site could be viewed as an ideal opportunity to create additional housing, strengthening the local community by making use of land, which forms part of a long-standing, established community.
“The situation of the site within an area of predominantly residential builds, allows a broad range of community facilities within a short distance of the site.
“The location of the site, adjacent to a long-established community comprising of retail, open space facilities, and close to public transport modes are positive characteristics which need to be maximised through the provision of safe, direct, convenient, and interesting site layout.
“The site is currently used as business premises for a hand car wash and tyre retailer. The proposed scheme will provide new residential accommodation, creating a vibrant edition to the local community.
“It will play a central role in establishing a new part of the community in the area, it will deliver high quality accommodation to the local community, it will deliver affordable homes, it will develop the site, allowing additional potential revenue for local businesses in Walsall and it will act as a high-quality example of well designed, considered housing.”
