Jobs hope as Willenhall centre project to go ahead

Up to 40 new jobs will be created at the Bath Street site, while a separate scheme to transform a scrap yard site in the town with almost 40 homes was also passed.

The leisure centre closed controversially in 2010 after being found to be the worst-performing in the borough. Just one objection was lodged against the plans to expand the building.

New owner Raj Kumar hopes to open the suite by August.

The only objection was submitted over fears about a lack of parking but council officers said proposed parking layout changes were acceptable.

Planning chiefs granted permission at a meeting at Walsall Council House but imposed 11 conditions which must be met.

Meanwhile, planning bosses also approved a scheme to transform a scrap metal yard into 39 new homes.

The Monmore Recycling site in Noose Lane will be cleared to make way for nine two-bedroom, 26 three-bedroom and four four-bedroom homes.

The business is transferring operations to its Wolverhampton site to make way for the residential scheme.

Seven letters of support were submitted to the council, claiming the new residential development would provide much-needed new homes in the area, improve the view and remove nuisance noise which has plagued neighbouring residents.

Speaking after the meeting, Councillor Carl Creaney, for Willenhall South, welcomed what he said was "much-needed" housing.

"We do need more housing in the area," he said.

"And this is also a scrap yard which has sometimes generated complaints in a residential area."

Planning officers said new housing would improve the appearance of the site.