Plans for 170 homes on former factory site in Walsall set for go-ahead
A scheme to build 170 new homes on the site of a former landmark factory is set to get the go ahead later today.
Developers want to transform the old Servis UK washing machine distribution complex in Darlaston under multi-million pound plans that will be considered by planners tonight.
A council report states that five letters of objection relating to the Darlaston Road scheme have been received with people in neighbouring homes and businesses raising concerns about road safety, noise and the security of their properties.
Landowner West Register (Realisations) Ltd, backed by the Royal Bank of Scotland, hopes to secure outline permission to build a mixture of two-bedroom apartments and two, three, four and five bedroom homes. The development is recommended for approval by council officers.
The Walsall Council report states: "As a brownfield site, sustainably located near a district centre and surrounded by residential development, the proposed use of the site for residential development is considered to be acceptable in principle.
"However this is subject to the proposals being acceptable in relation to all other material considerations, and not prejudicing operation of neighbouring businesses or possible future commercial investment on remaining commercial sites."
It states that the main noise affecting the site is traffic in Darlaston Road and nearby light industrial businesses that will need measures out in place to protect future householders by fitting high acoustic windows and adjusting the layout of the proposed estate.
It also states that due to plans by West Midlands Passenger Transport Authority, Centro plans to run a tram line in the existing railway cutting to the north of the site, and that talks should be held with Centro to ensure that the proposals do not affect any future transport scheme.
Previous plans to build shops, restaurants, housing and leisure attractions on the land, in Kings Hill, two years ago were shelved prompting criticism from councillors representing the area who hoped for long-term job creation developments instead of housing.
However, no firm plans were ever produced for retail or leisure facilities. The factory was demolished around four years ago.
Servis UK fell into difficulties in 2008 and administrators were called in during that autumn. There were 50 employees at the site at the time but there had been 150 staff before the company began outsourcing work.
The first Servis washing machine was made in Darlaston in 1929 and the firm became a powerhouse for employment.
