Temple plan for old British Legion
A former Royal British Legion social club in the Black Country is set to be demolished and replaced with a new Sikh temple.
The planned two-storey, 8,000 sq ft temple would feature marble and gold domes and be built on the site of the disused club in West Bromwich.
The new building would replace the existing temple in Graham Street, which bosses say is too small to cater for major events such as weddings.
The site of the former RBL club, which closed down more than eight years ago, is already owned by temple chiefs and is next door to the existing Guru Nanak Community Centre.
The derelict former clubhouse is in a state of disrepair with its windows boarded up.
A report to Sandwell Council planners states the existing social club would need a lot of work doing before it could be brought back into use. "The site is a social club which is badly deteriorated and the best alternative use would be a Sikh temple which would be useful to the local community," it says.
"It will not be out of character as the materials used will give better appearance to the street scene.
"The design concept has been adopted from adjoining buildings, the external appearance will be keeping in line with the surrounding properties.
"The building will be a contemporary place of worship in keeping with other Sikh temples in the local area," it adds.
According to the report to the council, the new temple would employ two full time staff and create one part time position.
Parking would be provided at the community centre next door and on the council car park on Graham Street.
The Guru Nanak Community Centre next door to the RBL club was formally re-opened in 2002 after it had undergone a £150,000 facelift.
It currently includes a community hall, IT suite, badminton courts and other sports facilities.
Consultation documents on the plan have been sent to neighbouring buildings and the deadline for comments on the application is October 30.
