Flats plan for vandal-hit garages

Developer Sam Ahmed is looking for permission to demolish the redundant structures on Laneside Avenue and replace them with a block of eight one and two-bedroom flats.

The application to Walsall Council said the garages have not been in use for a number of years and were no longer suitable for modern cars. It added they had also fallen into a state of disrepair.

Agents Whitebox Architecture and Design said the new development would bring high quality housing to the area and revitalise a disused site.

They said: “The garages have not been used for cars for many years and are of a size that does not adequately accommodate a modern car.

“They are therefore unusable, and merely provide a magnet for undesirable behaviour.

“The application site is occupied by two, linear garage blocks constructed from brickwork walls and corrugated roof sheets, likely to have been built in the 1970’s.

“The proposal seeks to release the site’s development potential and create a new, high quality, residential environment, sitting harmoniously with the existing housing and its context."

They add: “(It) would provide a scheme which enhances the townscape visually, as well as introducing activity and vitality to an unused site and its wider context and quality living accommodation that respects the setting, meets local needs and will be a welcome addition to the housing stock.

“One and two bedroom units take into account the housing needs of the local area and will serve to enliven and strengthen the existing community.”

They added the scheme will also protect and improve the amenity for neighbours and enhance natural surveillance to the area.

The developers also said new links would be formed with existing footpaths and the cycle network to promote more sustainable travel.

Planning officers at Walsall Council are anticipated to make a decision on the proposal in late September.