Flats plan for former First World War hospital currently providing temporary accommodation
A former First World War hospital in Aldridge could be converted into apartments if plans are given the go-ahead.
Kimberley Developments wants to create eight flats in the Grade II Listed Aldridge Manor House, off Little Aston Road, and has put forward a proposal to Walsall Council planners.
Manor House is more than 100 years old and served as a hospital during the First World War. It treated a total of 941 people and was staffed and funded by people from the area.
In more recent years, it was used as a library and then a youth centre by Walsall Council and is currently used to provide temporary accommodation.
Last year, a proposal to incorporate Manor House into a huge retirement complex was thrown out because planners felt the design and size of the overall scheme would have a negative impact on the listed building.
The proposal, again by Kimberley Developments alongside McCarthy and Stone Retirement Lifestyles Ltd, would have seen seven apartments within Manor House with a further 48 flats and three houses on the land.
The new development would see five two-bedroom flats, two one-bedroom flats and a three-bedroom apartment created if permission is granted.
Applicants say there will be little alteration to the outside of the building and work will involve internal alterations to form the flats. Car parking will be created in the grounds, while disused garages and an activity hall will be demolished.
A heritage assessment submitted by the applicants said the development would bring a number of benefits to the area.
It said: “The development will ensure and improve the historic and ongoing residential use at The Manor contributing to the economic and communal vibrancy of the Conservation Area.
“Smaller apartments will be delivered suitable for town centre locations and the demographic from the local community that is likely to need them.
“The development will deliver eight new residential units in an area where there is an under provision of homes.
“Overall, the applicant feels that the proposals comply with both National and Local Planning and Historic Environment Policy.
“The completed scheme will deliver a sensitively restored building that enables and delivers number of significant direct and indirect benefits to the community of Aldridge. The scheme is therefore respectfully recommended to Walsall Council.”
