Appeal lodged after plans refused for former Kenrick House offices

An application to bring the Grade II-listed Kenrick Building, off Union Street, back into use had been refused by Sandwell Council’s planning committee earlier this year.

Plans had been submitted to turn the three-storey building, which is now known as Archibald Kenrick House, into flats, office space and storage.

But an appeal has now been lodged with the Planning Inspectorate to overturn the decision.

The building, which dates back to around the 1880s, has stood empty for more than two decades.

It housed manufacturer Archibald Kenrick & Sons, famed for producing a broad range of metal products such as pans and buckles.

It overlooks the A4182 Kenrick Way and is passed by hundreds of drivers every day.

The plans - to build six flats into the building, while the first and second floors would remain as office units and the ground floor for storage - were refused by Sandwell Council due to the site being located in an area allocated as local employment land and that adequate provision had not been made for parking.

Councillor Bob Lloyd, cabinet member for for Inclusive Economic Growth, said: "The planners at Sandwell Council came to that decision (to refuse the plans) for a reason.

"Sandwell Council always looks to bring our old and historic buildings into use.

"The frontage of the building is protected and it is considered an important part of the history of the town.

"I think it is important we protect our heritage buildings and what they look like."

A spokesman for the Planning Inspectorate said: “We can confirm an appeal has been submitted in respect of a change of use for Archibald Kenrick House.

“We are awaiting availability of an Inspector with the necessary experience in considering cases of historic heritage.

“In the meantime the appeal process has started with parties to the appeal invited to submit statements.”