Planning chiefs back latest homes plan for Coseley Baths site

Plans for 28 homes on the Coseley Baths site have been recommended for approval after being formally lodged with council bosses.

Years of uncertainty for residents living near to the site, who have demanded to know what will happen with the land, appear to be coming to an end.

A homes scheme stalled last year following opposition from residents but Public Sector PLC, a private company part-owned by Dudley Council, has now come back with fresh proposals.

The 1.5-acre site on Pear Tree Lane has become overgrown since the baths were bulldozed in 2010 following an acrimonious campaign to save them.

Planning officers at Dudley Council have indicated they are ready to back the plans, with the final decision due to be made by councillors on May 2.

The development would feature a mix of two, three and four-bedroom homes with existing access to the baths site to be retained.

However, 13 objections to new plans have been raised by neighbours who feel there will be too many homes on the site and the development will bring more traffic to the area.

But a report from planning experts at Dudley Council said the development was considered acceptable and would have a 'positive impact on the character of the area'.

Dudley Council's regeneration boss Councillor Khurshid Ahmed revealed the authority stepped in to work with the applicant to help tweak the plans following a backlash locally and said he was pleased the proposals had been re-submitted.

He said: "I welcome any opportunity for growth and new housing and continue to push this.

"The site has been vacant for a long time and the longer they are vacant the more trouble they cause for local people.

"Hopefully, it can be quickly brought back into use in a positive way and will be a plus for the community as a whole."

The closure of Coseley Baths sparked a bitter row in the area.

There was widespread opposition to the decision and a high-profile campaign was launched to try and save the facility