New bedsit plan to transform former Royal British Legion building
A dilapidated former Royal British Legion building is set to be transformed into a bedsit – despite fierce opposition from residents who say the plans are a ‘smokescreen’.
The site in Stafford Road, Cannock, could be bulldozed with a three-storey, 24-room bedsit built in its place in a bid to redevelop the key town centre site that has been empty for eight years.
The controversial scheme has been recommended for approval by council planners despite anger locally.
The applicant, Krundil Developments Ltd, specifies that the tenants will be working professionals including doctors, engineers and vets.
But residents refused to back the plans, fearing there will be an increase in antisocial behaviour because they claim they cannot guarantee who will live there.
Sixteen letters were submitted to Cannock Chase District Council opposing the development, with further concerns raised that parking is not sufficient the value of homes will decrease.
One reads: “We already face a daily problem with drug and alcohol abuse, constant drug deals outside the house and local well known alcoholics causing trouble outside our home.
“Our children look out at this daily. Antisocial behaviour and drug abuse are the most common crimes in Cannock. We want the problem resolved and I feel these plans for a 25-bed residence will only make the problem worse.”
But the applicant, based in Solihull, insists the plans will breath new life into the derelict building.
The building was closed by the Royal British Legion in July 2010, a year before the branch itself folded due to falling membership, and has since fallen into a state of disrepair.
A final decision is set to be made at a Cannock Council planning meeting today.
