Rethink on smoking shelter
A final decision is set to be made on plans to create a smoking shelter outside a Black Country hospital after the scheme was thrown out last time over fears that it would spoil the view. A final decision is set to be made on plans to create a smoking shelter outside a Black Country hospital after the scheme was thrown out last time over fears that it would spoil the view. Summit Healthcare has resubmitted proposals, with some changes, to place the shelter outside the ambulance centre at the recently constructed section of Corbett Hospital, in Vicarage Road, Amblecote. Plans were rejected by Dudley Council's development control committee. Members said they were concerned it would be a blot on the landscape to neighbouring homes. An earlier planning application to place the shelter directly next to a public footpath to the site was also refused. Read the full story in the Express & Star.
Summit Healthcare has resubmitted proposals, with some changes, to place the shelter outside the ambulance centre at the recently constructed section of Corbett Hospital, in Vicarage Road, Amblecote. Plans were rejected by Dudley Council's development control committee.
Members said they were concerned it would be a blot on the landscape to neighbouring homes.
An earlier planning application to place the shelter directly next to a public footpath to the site was also refused.
However, a makeshift shelter has been created without approval, and enforcement officers may take action.
The present application has seen changes to both of the previous schemes, with proposals for the shelter now planned to be further away from the footpath and obscured by trees in a landscaped area.
Planning officers from the council have now recommended the scheme be approved when it comes before the committee on Monday because of the changes.
No objections have been raised from people in the immediate vicinity but one has been submitted by a resident living more than a mile away who says the shelter will not fit in with surrounding buildings, will encourage smoking, and will increase rubbish in the area as cigarette ends are dropped.
But a report to the committee states: "The siting of the proposed development is considered more appropriate in this amended position, whereas previously it was sited immediately abutting the public footpath.
"This proposal is located further away, around seven metres from the public footpath, closer to the landscaped barrier. This means it would not be a prominent structure on the street.
"As the landscaping has not been started, there is additional scope to screen the shelter and further help any proposed impact on the character of the area. It is therefore considered this scheme is now acceptable."
The meeting is at Dudley Council House, New Street, at 6pm. The public are welcome to attend.
