Old Darlaston police station to become flats, under plans

Walsall Council’s planning committee will decide on a proposal by The Bloomfield Group Ltd to create the flats within the Victorian building on Crescent Road.

The developer is not proposing to change the front of the striking building but will carry out work to create a rear extension and alter the interior to create the eight two-bedroom and four one-bedroom apartments.

Members of the committee are being recommended to grant permission, subject to conditions being finalised by planning officers.

It is believed the station dates back to 1899 but the decision to close it was taken in January 2018 by the office of the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner as part of cost-cutting measures.

The building, along with other former police stations in the region, was sold at auction in 2019, fetching around £660,000.

In the application, planning agent Adam Design said: “Darlaston Police Station has been empty for a number of years.

“The 121-year-old building, with its beautiful frontage which will remain unchanged and overlooking the large open space of Victoria Park, needs to be brought back into use.

“The site lends itself perfectly for the change of use to residential flats and is the ideal solution for this redundant property to be brought back to life.

“Not only will the building be revitalised with high standard luxury apartments, which will bring much needed living accommodation to Darlaston, this proposal will also enhance the local neighbourhood and community.”

A report to committee said: “The proposal is considered acceptable in land use planning terms, to have a limited impact on the character of the wider area and the amenity for neighbouring occupiers.

“The proposals would have a low or minimal impact on the neighbouring buildings in the locality with no overlooking and there are no objections to the scheme.”