Flats plan for former tool shop is rejected over ‘insufficient’ application

The application to knock down a former tool shop in Walsall Street, West Bromwich, and build 12 flats was rejected by planners at Sandwell Council over “insufficient information” in the application.

The council said the application by Phoenix Mason did not contain enough detail about the three-storey building’s design, parking spaces or drainage and flood risk, which meant it could not properly assess the plans.

The designs submitted were criticised by the council with some of the flats labelled “very oppressive” and “restrictive.” The outlook from some flats, and the lack of windows in others, would create an “extremely poor living environment,” the authority said.

The warehouse has been empty since 2013 after Midway Tools moved to Telford.

The council’s planners said: “Insufficient information has been submitted with the application... in order to assess adequately the impact of the proposed development having regard to flood risk mitigation, highway matters and safety and the design and overall quality of the proposed residential development. In the absence of this information, it has not been possible to demonstrate that the proposal would comply with [policy] and/or other material considerations.”

An application to demolish a neighbouring church in Walsall Street to make way for new flats was revealed in April last year – but a decision has still not been made by Sandwell Council.

The Forever Living Christ Ministries International church would be replaced with a new four-storey building totalling 12 two-bed flats.

Sandwell Council is set to sign off on a new cycle route through West Bromwich town centre – with the segregated route starting in Bull Street just 160 metres from the proposed new flats.

West Bromwich town centre is also set for a major regeneration with nearly 400 homes expected to be built on land just metres away in Queens Square alongside nearly 700 more in other parts of the town centre.