80 homes planned on former Walsall bakery site
Eighty homes will be built on the site of a landmark former bakery in Walsall under fresh plans lodged with the council.
The old Maple Leaf was operated by Harvestime Bakeries, but shut down a number of years ago and has since been earmarked for regeneration.
It was initially said up to 100 homes would be built on the land in Birchills, but firm plans have now been unveiled for 80 properties.
These will include a combination of flats and two to four bedroom houses as part of the proposals.
Walsall Council will initially be asked to decide on access to the Hollyhedge Lane site, with more details expected to be made public in the future.
A report to the council, from planning agent Guy Bailey, said: "This application is made in outline and seeks consent for the principle of the redevelopment of the former Harvestime Bakery for up to 80 residential units, with associated access.
"The site was last used by Harvestime as a bakery. The ceased operation in April 2012 and the site has been redundant since.
"The buildings, both production and office support, all remain, although stripped of all bakery plant and machinery.
He adds: "The site has been redundant since 2012 with the majority of the buildings unworthy of re-use or conversion since that time.
"The site is located within a residential area in a sustainable location in close proximity to the town centre, with easy public transport, pedestrian and cycle links and access to services and employment."
Harvestime went into administration twice in 2005.
The firm was bought by former directors John Bridson and Phil Taylor, rescuing the company when it first went into administration after parent firm Rathbones collapsed.
After going into administration for a second time, the bakery was rescued again through an agreed takeover package by Maple Leaf Bakery UK Ltd, securing 250 jobs after more than 100 workers were made redundant.
But the bakery closed in 2012 after the company announced it was leaving the sliced bread market, with staff being encouraged to apply for posts at the Perfection Foods bakery which opened elsewhere in the town.
A bakery had been on the Raleigh Street site since the 1800s.
The application put forward to the council says it is an outline and housing types and tenure have yet to be established.
However, parking will be provided in line with the council's standards of between two to three spaces per unit.
