Public inquiry opens into retirement flats plan near Dudley as residents raise concerns over parking
A public inquiry into the rejection of plans for a block of retirement flats in Kingswinford has opened.
The four-day enquiry is taking place following the refusal of planning permission for a block of retirement flats in Kingswinford.
The development, which was proposed by developers Churchill Living Ltd, was refused by Dudley Council in January, and would have seen the demolition of the old Kingswinford Youth Centre, on High Street, to make way for 40 apartments and commercial facilities, consisting of 33 one-bedroom and 16 two-bedroom flats.
The plans, which would also include a multi-games area, were thrown out following concerns from residents, The Sport Foundation, and Birmingham FA, with objections citing the loss of 'vital sports facilities' and 'insufficient parking', but the decision has been appealed.
Now, the first day of a four-day inquiry has launched, with issues around the viability of safe parking, especially around match days of the nearby Kingswinford Knights FC grounds, being addressed.
