Flats plan for Walsall GP surgery refused amid fears of 'substandard' living accommodation
A plan to convert a doctor’s surgery into new apartments has failed as the proposed flats were deemed to be too small.
Proposals had been put forward for Saddlers Health Centre in Hatherton Street, Walsall, to be turned into six, one- and two-bedroom apartments once GP services transferred to a huge new medical centre in the town centre.
But the plan, submitted by applicants listed as Mr S Tromans and Ms S Tromans, was rejected by Walsall Council planning officers.
They said: “The proposal would provide an indoor living area of an unsatisfactory size for the occupiers of the flats, giving rise to a substandard form of living accommodation for future occupiers.”
The applicants said they wanted to secure the change of use permission from Walsall Council to ensure the building is not left empty for long after it is vacated.
Saddlers Health Centre, along with other practices, will move into the brand new medical facility that’s being created in the former Challenge Building on the same street.
Health bosses said the new £9 million centre, which will be opened in 2024, will transform services in the area and improve patient care.
Planning agent Paul Clifton said: “The existing building will be vacated and be surplus to requirements when this practice and three or four other practices
merge to come under the envelope of the new medical centre which is currently being built opposite these premises on the site of the City Challenge Building.
“This submission seeks permission for the change of use and a first floor extension which would provide four one-bedroom apartments and two two-bedroom apartments.
“The GP’s practice will move to the new medical centre in September 2024, the owners of the building are looking to prepare the ground for this, so that the building is not left vacant for too long.
“The site is in the town centre so within walking distance of a range of local shops supermarkets, community and recreational facilities infant, junior and secondary schools are all within easy reach.
“The town centre location means the apartments will have access to all facilities and have transport links to the wider area so is sustainable in its own right.”
