Flats and bungalow plan for old offices in Gornal
Thirty new apartments and a bungalow could be built on the site of old office blocks, under new plans.
A planning application has been submitted to Dudley Council for the redevelopment of the site of Solus House and University House, in Jews Lane, Upper Gornal.
The proposals, by Build Vantage, would see six three-bed, 22 two-bed and two one-bed apartments built, as well as a disabled access two-bed bungalow.
Castle and Priory ward Councillor Ken Finch said he welcomed any new development of housing in the area.
Councillor Finch said: “Any new development is a good thing, we have got a shortage of housing – as long as there is an affordable element.
“There is a big demand for first-time buyers in the area. People want to get on the housing ladder and these kind of apartments are the perfect opportunity.
“So I am all in favour of the application. It’s a good little spot to build new homes.
“It is ideal because it will bring revenue in the area, as the homebuyers will shop locally.”
A design and access statement, submitted with the application, said: “The proposal is to build additional units on the site of University and Solus House, Jews Lane, Upper Gornal, Dudley. The two ex-office blocks have now been converted into residential units.
“As the site is very large there is room for some additional units and a reorganisation of the site to create 30 flats and one disabled access bungalow, the 1:1 car parking – 10 per cent with electric charging points, play areas and new landscape.
“The surrounding area is a mix of industry, established older houses and newer residential units in the place of old industrial units.
“A total of 31 units is now proposed, consisting of six three-beds, 22 two-beds, two one-beds and one two-bed single storey dwelling. Of these 31 units, 11 will have disabled access, including the bungalow. The site off Jews Lane had become run down with very little prospect of new tenants being found for the out-of-date offices.”
