'Historically significant' former Barclays bank set to become bar and restaurant despite parking concerns

South Staffordshire District Council planning officer Helen Benbow approved Adam Bradley's proposal to convert the former Barclays bank into a licensed food-and-drink venue.

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But there will not be a takeaway after the developer agreed to remove that element on the advice of planning officers.

The single-storey building in Gravel Hill has been empty since Barclays closed its branch two years ago.

Planners were told that the authority's conservation officer described the building as a ‘virtually complete piece of 1950s architecture, with echoes of Festival of Britain and Moderne architecture'.

The proposal includes a side extension to the building, which was constructed in 1968, and is located in a conservation area.

A planning officer's report said the scheme had attracted one objection, with concerns raised about late-night noise and the impact on the conservation area.

Wombourne Parish Council said it supported the application but had concerns about parking and the installation of an extractor fan, to ensure that the development integrated well with the surrounding area and did not negatively impact neighbouring businesses and residents.

The report said there would be an under-provision of car parking, with a total of seven spaces, including two designated disabled bays.

But it said that the restaurant's location in the village centre, with ample on-street parking and good bus links, meant this should not be a problem.

Planning officer Imogen Hopkin said restrictions should be placed on opening times, prohibiting it from opening before midday, and requiring it to close by 11pm.