Date set for public inquiry into Dudley Council's refusal of retirement flats to resume
A public inquiry into Dudley Council’s decision to refuse an application for retirement apartments was halted after new evidence was presented.
The government planning Inspectorate was holding the enquiry after Churchill Living Ltd appealed against a decision to refuse proposals to demolish a disused youth centre in Kingswinford.
Under the plans, the centre, on High Street, would be replaced with a four-storey block providing 49 new apartments.
The inquiry, at Dudley Council House, was set for four days but was unexpectedly adjourned a day early on October 16.
A Planning Inspectorate spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “On Thursday October 16 and following the receipt of additional evidence and information the inquiry was adjourned by the inspector to enable further clarification to be sought regarding the second reason for refusal that could not take place within the original Inquiry programme.
“Currently, the inquiry is scheduled to resume on Monday November 24 and will sit for two days. A revised programme will be available in due course.”
Earlier in the proceedings planning inspector Richard Aston heard evidence from the council and Churchill in relation to the design of the building, which planners say is too big and out of keeping with the area.
Churchill argues there are other, taller buildings close to the site and the development should be allowed.
The council’s decision notice, issued in January 2025, also said: “The proposed development will result in the loss of playing field, impacting on provision of an existing pitch and will reduce the capacity of the playing field to provide pitches.
“It would also result in the loss of access to car parking for parents/spectators which would have a prejudicial impact on the users of the playing field.”
Churchill argues its plan includes a new multi-use games area (MUGA) which will provide adequate sports facilities while the surrounding area has sufficient public parking space for people using the sports facilities and spectators.
