Plan to create flats out of disused Walsall offices fails over concerns about noise and smells

Newhall Street Properties wants to create four apartments on the upper floors above a commercial unit in Permanent House in Leicester Street and sought ‘prior approval’ from Walsall Council planners.

But the authority refused to grant permission as the applicants had failed to put forward a noise survey to address the impact of noise from nearby pubs and how it might be mitigated.

Environmental protection officers also raised concerns about how odours coming from premises selling hot food would be dealt with.

The developer will need to put in a full planning application addressing all issues if the plan, which involves four two-bedroom apartments – one to each floor, is to succeed.

Environmental Protection said: “The site is opposite an area that is frequented by large numbers of adults enjoying the night-time economy.

“We do not have any information (and the Applicant has not provided any) on type of noise levels that are generated during evenings and weekends as a

result of the site being within a town centre location and near to popular public houses, bars, restaurants, cafés, and clubs.

“Furthermore, we do not have any information on the existing ground floor businesses, if these are to remain and kind of noises that are generated by them and any external machinery that serves them and any other adjacent business.

“If hot food is prepared in the businesses on the ground floor or adjacent them then consideration of hot food odour extraction will be required and possibly extending any associated ductwork such that it ends above the proposed building.

“Additionally, consideration of fire insulation/precautions is warranted, as well as noise insulation measures.

“Based on the lack of information/knowledge on external and internal noises, we are of the opinion that this site is not suitable for a Prior Approval application, and the applicant needs to be asked to submit a full application, together with an appropriate noise survey and possibly odour survey; and provide information on current ground floor and neighbouring activities.”