Historic Black Country cinema to be revamped again following botched facelift

In September Dudley Council issued an enforcement notice against the former cinema in High Street, after three unsightly windows were installed without planning permission.

In recent years the building has been occupied by a supermarket.

An application to turn the first and second floors of the locally listed building into flats was rejected in 2016, but the owner went on to install three mismatched windows on the second floor anyway, without securing planning permission.

Planning officer Ian Lowe said: "These alterations are poor in appearance as all of these windows all appear to be sited at different heights and the window details differ between each window, with missing rendering around the new openings."

On September 27 the council issued an enforcement notice, ordering the windows to be removed, and the frontage of the property to be restored to its previous state. It also ordered the removal of all debris from the site.

The owner responded by submitting a fresh application which will see new windows installed at a consistent height, evenly spaced along the facade, and of a similar size and design to the existing windows at first-floor level.

Director of planning Carl Mellor has now given permission to the latest application, subject to the work being completed within three months.

Approval was granted despite an objection from resident David Austin, who said the former cinema was part of the town's heritage.

"This development was refused around 2016," said Mr Austin.

"The landlord went ahead anyway, creating second-floor accommodation with hideous windows - this contravention has been recognised with an enforcement notice recently issued, directing that the original frontage be restored.

"This old cinema remains an important part of the area's heritage, perhaps the owner is testing the council's resolve. Please do not let these landlords trash the neighbourhood for a little extra income."

The Clifton cinema was opened by R H Morgan MP on February 8, 1937, as part of a wider circuit that also included cinemas in Sedgley, Coseley, Wednesfield and Fallings Park.

It became one of the first Cliftons to close in August, 1965, when it was taken over by toy retailer Woodworth's. In 1978, permission was granted to turn the building into a market hall, which continued to trade until 2013, when it became a supermarket, butcher's shop, and taxi office.

Mr Lowe's report said the unlawful alterations had spoiled the appearance of the area, and as such could not be supported.

"These alterations have had a significant detrimental impact on the architectural appearance of the locally listed building and these alterations undermine the intrinsic historic value of the building, and its setting within the area of high historic value, and the character and appearance of the wider area.

"However, this application seeks to rectify the irregularities of the windows that have been built, by repositioning the windows within the front façade, changing the height, position and design detailing of the windows to reflect the existing casement windows that are sited below, and seeks to re-render this façade.

"The principle of these changes will improve the appearance of the development within this locally listed heritage asset and the wider heritage townscape. Therefore, the nature of these changes would be welcomed from a heritage point of view."

Mr Mellor added that the council had worked with the applicant in a positive, proactive and creative manner, seeking to help the applicant address the issues raised.

"The development would improve the economic, social and environmental concerns of the area," he added.