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Walsall multi-storey car park demolition set to get go-ahead despite objections

The demolition of a multi-storey car park in Walsall is poised to get the go-ahead despite dozens of objections.

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A replacement parking area which is half the size is being planned for Caldmore after owners said it had suffered from anti-social behaviour.

The run-down 96 space garage block off Little London has since been closed by Walsall Housing Group due to security concerns, after falling into disrepair.

The aim is to create a 40-space surface level car park which is flood-lit under the plans due to be considered by Walsall Council tomorrow.

But a 48 name petition has been collected in opposition with concerns over the long-term reduction in bays, with the number of flats that need to be served, once the multi-storey is demolished and replaced.

Existing parking issues along the main West Bromwich Street and introduction of double yellow lines in the area have also been raised by the community.

Members of the planning committee are being recommended to grant approval to the application.

A report from head of planning David Elsworthy says: "The development looks to demolish the existing 96 bay multi-storey car park and replace it with a 40 bay surface level car park.

"The applicant has stated that residents would only use the ground floor level due to fear of theft and anti-social behaviour and it was recommended for demolition in 2005 but not undertaken at that time.

"The proposal will provide a modern well lit surface car park which is more likely to be used by residents of the 130 flats, 2011 census data suggests that 64 per cent of households in the immediate area including the flats do not own a car.

"The car park will provide 40 spaces and there are a further 13 spaces available elsewhere around the flats."

It comes as extra residential parking could also be created across Walsall under separate £250,000 plans.

Walsall Council bosses are looking at converting more grass verges into bays in a bid to tackle congestion and roads being blocked. It follows a pilot project to create more than 40 extra parking spaces in six streets.

The scheme is subject to funds, with it currently being listed on the council's reserve list for the next financial year.

Possible locations for extra residential parking have not been revealed by the council at this stage.

Money for previous improvement work was set aside by transport chiefs in a bid to address long-standing issues of unsafe and indiscriminate parking. It comes after families around the borough raised concerns over vehicles parking on grassland, causing congestion and clogging up streets.

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