Rethink on £3m shops plan

Fresh plans have been lodged for a £3million complex featuring shops, apartments and a restaurant in the heart of Hednesford.

It is hoped it will create 150 jobs and open in mid-summer next year.

The name of the planned Lucas Court development in Market Street has been changed to The Light Works.

Hednesford-based developer Fred Pritchard's firm Chaseregen Plc – a subsidiary of Pritchard Holdings Plc – is behind plans for the glass-fronted building.

Previous plans to develop the site, formerly occupied by manufacturing firm Lucas Lighting, have been withdrawn and a fresh application submitted which no longer includes premises currently occupied by a bookmaker.

Lucas Lighting operated in the town during the 1930s, and the development, which will replace currently boarded-up buildings, will have an Art Deco element in its design to reflect that era.

Consultation is now under way on the proposals .

Depending on the responses, planning officers at Cannock Chase District Council can decide whether to grant permission using their delegated powers or put the matter before councillors to decide.

The ground floor of The Light Works would feature niche shops, a restaurant, and a museatery – a new concept combining somewhere to eat and a museum.