Latest stage of Goodyear masterplan set for approval

Proposals for the next stage of development include building more than 350 homes and renovating the iconic clock tower at the Bushbury Road site.

Wolverhampton Council's planning committee is expected to approve the plans for the former factory site, which closed last year, at a meeting on Tuesday.

A report to the council read: "The site has been cleared of the former industrial buildings in preparation for development. This is with the exception of the former clock tower, which is of heritage value.

"The Goodyear clock tower would be refurbished and a link extension would enable it to be used as an entrance lobby to a new three storey apartment block.

"A public space is proposed to be created around and nearby to the clock tower. The space will be constructed from modern materials, it will act as an arrival point at the site and allow for attractive views of the clock tower."

Developer St Modwen wants outline planning permission to build up to 230 homes on part of the site, with further details set to be presented to the council at a later date.

Improve

It also wants to create a public open space in front of Bushbury Lane Academy, alongside new staff parking and a pick-up or drop-off area.

The proposals will 'greatly improve' the academy while ensuring it 'successfully integrates with existing and new housing', a council report read.

It added: "The proposal will provide an additional 230 dwellings at a highly sustainable location with good access to local facilities, including the new neighbourhood park.

"This represents a substantial contribution towards meeting the housing needs of the city. This is particularly important in the context of the current Black Country Core Strategy review, which has highlighted a 22,000 home shortfall in the Black Country urban area up to 2036."

Persimmon Homes also wants to build 126 homes on the site, which would include 114 houses and 12 apartments.

Its plans, which have been recommended for approval, include creating a 'high quality entrance' by linking the existing clock tower to a three-storey apartment block.

The report added: "The proposed public space, adjacent to the clock tower, would be a high quality entrance to the site. It will create a strong focal point and a sense of place."

The closure of the plant was announced in 2015 after years of scaling down at the once-mighty employer, resulting in the loss of 330 jobs.