Former car lot in Wolverhampton to become new flats
Twelve new apartments are set to be built on the forecourt of a former used car dealership in Wolverhampton.
Following the closure of Redhead Motors in Rookery Street, Wednesfield, council planners have received an application for a mixture of studio, one and two-bedroom flats on the site.
The former garage was demolished in 2018 and the land – opposite Sainsbury’s at Bentley Bridge and within walking distance of the High Street – has only been used for storage since.
Applicant Surinder Bains is proposing to build a two-storey terraced property consisting of two studio apartments, two one-bedroom flats and eight two-bedroom flats.
In a statement submitted with the plans, Tommy Wong of Birmingham-based Integrated Designs & Associates Ltd, said: “This development will provide affordable accommodation in a highly sustainable location and bring a brownfield site back into use without overburdening existing local facilities.
“The site’s unique position along a main transport route, within a mixed retail and residential area close to the centre of Wednesfield, makes it an ideal location for such a development.
“Public transport is easily accessible from the site and the limited amount of traffic associated with housing can also be a major social benefit – not just for the local area, but for Wednesfield as a whole.
Terraced rooftop balcony
“Key services such as shops, colleges, New Cross Hospital and several GP surgeries are all nearby, reducing travel distance and dependence on cars,” he added.
“The development will also provide a range of employment opportunities during its construction period and afterwards, ranging from contracted maintenance to cleaning services.”
Once completed, the building will feature a central undercroft allowing vehicles to access a rear car park. Allowance has been made for 12 parking bays including one disabled space.
Separate storage room for cycles and individual bins has also been included.
The site backs onto the Wyrley and Essington Canal and a terraced rooftop balcony has also been planned to enable residents to enjoy views of the tree-lined towpath.
Intercom access will be provided at the front of the building and inside the foyer each tenant will have their own European-style postbox.
Wolverhampton Council planning officer Kirsty Hodson said: “This site is a great opportunity to make a good development, particularly with its relationship to the canal.
“It would be really good to work some soft landscaping into the design and bring back a street frontage in this location.”
The council’s planning committee is set to make a decision on the plans in the near future.
