Flats plan for Walsall deaf centre look set to fail over heritage concerns

Members of Walsall Council’s planning committee are being recommended to refuse the proposal, by a developer listed a M Latif, to create 14 flats at the old Walsall Deaf Centre in Lichfield Street.

The plan involves converting the existing semi-detached centre and demolishing the club to make way for a new block behind. In total, this would create nine one-bedroom and five two-bedroom apartments in the development.

But authority conservation officers and Historic England raised objections to the scheme because of the impact the development would have within the area.

They said it would have a negative impact on nearby listed assets such as Walsall Arboretum, Queen Mary’s Grammar and the Boat House.

A report to committee said these concerns were highlighted to agents for the applicants but no further evidence had been submitted.

It said: “No amendments have been received to overcome the concerns raised and there are no material planning considerations in support of the proposals in relation to the impact on heritage assets and visual impact.

“On balance weighing up the merits of the scheme in relation to the provision of a community facility the proposal cannot be supported on heritage, amenity and visual impact grounds. It is concluded that this application should be recommended for refusal.”

Walsall Deaf People’s Centre decided to close and sell off the Lichfield Road facility at an emergency meeting in May 2019.

Reasons for the closure included a decreasing number of deaf people using the building, making it more difficult to apply for funding.

The centre also suffered income losses on services such as British Sign Language classes and room hire.

In the application, agent Paul Clifton said: “The centre closed and has lain empty since.

“This application seeks permission to convert the remaining part of the pair of semi-detached properties into two two-bedroom apartments.

“Following demolition of the rear building the proposal is to construct a three-storey block containing nine one-bedroom apartments and three two-bedroom apartments.

“The three-storey apartment block would be positioned roughly on the footprint of the original building.

“The site is within walking distance of the town centre close to main arterial routes and thus well served by public transport.

“The site is within easy reach of educational, community and recreational facilities infant, junior and secondary schools, recreation and community facilities are also local.”