Former Dudley sex shop to be converted into 156-seater church after permission granted
A former sex shop in a Black Country town centre will be turned into a 156-seater church after the plans were approved.
The former Private Shop in the heart of Dudley's regeneration zone is to be taken over by Castlegate Church.
Before lockdown, rundown former shop and warehouse in Flood Street, was used for the sale and distribution of pornography and sex toys.
But the Christian group, founded by pastor Craig Bennett in 2016, now intends to use it to promote very different material after Dudley Council granted planning permission.
In addition to the main worship hall, the new site will include a cafe, foodbank and youth room with pool table.
A new aluminium front will be installed at the building.
The building is located next to a stop for the forthcoming West Midlands Metro tramline, and close to the new Duncan Edwards Leisure Centre.
It is also opposite the site of a proposed ice rink, a joint venture between the council and operator Planet Ice.
The scheme has been approved by head of planning Carl Mellor, despite concerns about a lack of highway access from Flood Street.
Planning officer James Mead said the building would be used for Bible studies and counselling sessions on weekday evenings, accommodating 20-50 people two-to-three days a week.
Between 50 and 100 people would be expected to turn out for a typical Sunday morning service.
Mr Mead said: "The site occupies a sustainable town centre location within walking distance of public car parks, public transport - including the West Midlands Metro, which is under construction.
"The application proposes an acceptable town centre use," he said.
The design of the bin store was amended following concerns about highway access.
At the moment Castlegate Church is based in Birdcage Walk, Dudley, with a second site in West Bromwich.
