Tintern House plans approved despite fierce objections
Controversial plans to rejuvenate Tintern House in Stevens Park have been given the go ahead by councillors – after hearing rejection risked losing £1.4 million of funding.
Dudley Council passed the Quarry Bank plans even after hearing multiple objections from residents who had raised concerns over parking and the 'eyesore' of polytunnels.
The project would see the building, coach house next door and a disused changing block converted by the Emily Jordan Foundation – a charity dedicated to training and employing young people with learning difficulties.
And, as part of it, permission would be given for polytunnels to be built as part of the ‘Twigs’ project to teach horticultural skills.
Campaigning against the plans, Donna Griffiths said: “There isn’t sufficient parking provision and the agricultural Twigs compound should, if necessary, be moved to a more suitable or discreet position or if this is not possible, removed entirely from the plans.”
She added: “The Twigs plans, which is referred to as a community garden, is not necessary and will be an eyesore and in the way for existing park users.
"Park Road already has parking issues, which has regularly been reported to the council, inadequate parking provision will cause misery for park users and residents alike.”
Colin Bird, a lead consultant on the project, said public parks were important for local communities.
He said: “As councillors you are aware of how extremely stretched councils’ budgets are and this project will deliver a £1.4 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund to see the comprehensive restoration and renewal of Stevens Park.
"It will see Tintern House brought back into beneficial use."
He added that meetings had been held with residents over the polytunnels and changes had been made, but warned: “It may be blunt to say but unless this application receives consent the £1.4 million contribution from the Heritage Lottery fund is at serious risk.”
Councillor Ahmed Ashif, speaking at the development committee meeting earlier this week, said: “Not every application pleases everybody but if you look across the board I can’t see any negative impact at all.”
In a show of hands, councillors passed the application unanimously.
