Tesco and Greggs plan for Dudley redrawn after more than 60 object
Plans to convert a landmark art deco former kitchen showroom into five shops, including a new Tesco Express and Greggs, have been redrawn after more than 60 people objected.
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The now empty former motorbike and kitchen showrooms on the corner of Mucklow Hill and Long Lane in Halesowen would be turned into five new units under plans by Mucklow Hill Developments.
More than 60 objections have been registered with Dudley Council over the work, which includes a new Tesco Express and Greggs as well as space for a new vets, tanning salon, dentist and a food outlet.
An artist’s impression accompanying the application shows the units could be occupied by Harrison Family Vets and tanning salon Indigo Sun.
The revised plans submitted by Mucklow Hill Developments to Dudley Council show a widened two-way junction from Long Lane and a new retaining wall next to the gardens of homes in neighbouring Green Hill Road after concerns were raised about noise and traffic.
The number of car parking spaces would still reduce by four to 36 despite the council noting more were required.
The objections, many of which come from residents in nearby Mucklow Hill, Greenhill Road and Long Lane, said the move would bring more late-night noise and add to congestion on an already “extremely busy” road as well as create more hazards and problems – particularly for pupils leaving nearby Leasowes High School.
One objector said there was “nowhere near enough” parking for the five new “high activity” units and the move would “further aggravate” traffic problems.
Another objector added: “I live in Greenhill Road and we already have trouble with people parking all day and sometimes all night without staff from these buildings parking in our road.
“Plus the traffic on Long Lane and Mucklow Hill is already very bad. We can never get out of our road very well and it is a very dangerous and speeding road.”
Highways officers at Dudley Council raised concerns about the application agreeing there was still a “significant” shortfall in parking and the number of spaces on the car park actually needed to increase beyond the current 40 spaces rather than be cut.
“There is also the risk that to provide more space for turning movements and operational parking a further increase on this shortfall will be created,” the local authority said in a report.
“The applicant should also address the points raised around the access, vehicle tracking and parking layout.
“Where necessary additional information should be supplied and the proposals amended.
“The historically approved application for this site had several highways conditions, including that of upgrading pedestrian crossings. These conditions would still appear to be overall appropriate and should be looked at in relation to this application.
“The current proposals offer no mitigation for increased pedestrian activity.”
Developer JLE Ventures had been given permission to demolish the landmark building but plans to open a new Asda and Starbucks were thrown out at the end of 2023 after more than 100 objections were lodged.
