Multi-million development next to Wolverhampton's Halfway House pub in limbo... over traffic sign

Senior planning officers at Wolverhampton council have recommended approval of the development next to the old Halfway House pub on Tettenhall Road, which closed eight years ago.

Councillors were all set to give the scheme the green light earlier this year on the provision that the Department for Transport installed a mandatory 'turn left' sign on the pavement outside the car park on Paget Road.

But the DfT refused to get involved until after the plans had been passed, leaving the multi-million pound development hanging in the balance.

A stand-off has now developed between councillors and senior planning officers.

Councillor Mike Hardacre, who sits on the planning committee, said: "There is a serious issue over traffic in the roads adjacent to the proposed development.

"The junction between Tettenhall Road and Paget Road is already incredibly busy and is used by traffic from four local schools and the college."

Fellow Park ward representative Councillor Claire Darke, said some residents were in favour of the plan but others were against.

West Midlands Police legal department is also looking into the matter.

A residents' protest group is bidding to block it over concerns about increased traffic in the area.

Several objections have been submitted to the council, citing potential access problems, road safety, insufficient parking, out-of-character design and flooding concerns.

The developers want to build 20 two and three-bedroom apartments in a three-storey block, along with 30 car parking spaces.

The terms of the scheme include a £53,400 contribution to be spent on improvements to West Park and five of the homes being affordable.

The Halfway House closed its doors in 2008. The building is now occupied by the Mill Stream Pharmacy and Smile Works dentist.

Councillors are due to examine the scheme again at the end of June.