Homes plan for Wyevale Garden Centre site refused

The Wyevale Garden Centre in Aldridge was earmarked for closure after being snapped up by new owners – but there is now fresh uncertainty over its future.

The site in Chester Road, Walsall, was set to be bulldozed and transformed into 11 three, four or five-bedroom homes but an application was refused.

Planning bosses said proposals to redevelop the land were unacceptable because some of the homes would be built on surrounding land classed as green belt.

They also opposed the plans because they looked to redevelop the entire site rather than attempt to convert existing buildings, and there are also no bus services available for possible residents.

Concerns were also expressed that the new homes would be overbearing to nearby existing properties and would not be able to guarantee enough privacy for neighbours.

Ward Councillor John Murray said: “Along Chester Road there are a number of high quality houses that are being developed so housing is not a problem at all.

“Unfortunately, the planners have decided to refuse these plans for a number of reasons and I just hope that Wyevale come forward as soon as possible with alternative plans.

“Providing it is developed and it is not left as an eye sore, I support it.

“The last thing we would want is somewhere to lie derelict.”

The future of the centre is now uncertain.

The centre was bought by the UKS Group in September after it was put on the market for £800,000, with the intent of developing the site into homes.

The site was announced as one of five garden centres, including Brooks, Nailsworth, Keynsham and Shirley, to be sold.

A total of 15 Wyevale garden centres have found new owners since May.