Plans to convert old Walsall toilets into homes refused

The development for the former public toilets in Norton Road, Pelsall, was described as a “cramped over-development” by councillors on the planning committee at Walsall Council.

The plan was to demolish the toilets and extend existing offices next door to create four, three-bedroom homes.

But planners have thrown it also saying that parking provision was deemed to be remote with no surveillance for prospective residents.

The offices next door to the public toilets were previously used as a neighbourhood office in the village.

Contribution

The application said: “The proposal will bring back into beneficial use a previously developed site, to provide a high quality and attractive residential scheme, which will make a positive contribution right in the centre of the existing community.

“Furthermore, the redevelopment of this brownfield site for housing will help to minimise the need for the release of land from the Green Belt and other valuable open space, for residential development.

“The proposal would result in the remediation of the site and will add to the wider housing mix available in Pelsall and is aimed at providing housing for people trying to get onto the housing ladder.”

But Walsall Council’s planning case officer Devinder Matharu said: “The proposed development represents a cramped over-development of the site, as such fails to meet the Council’s Residential Standards as it does not provide adequate garden areas for the proposed dwellings.

“The proposed rear car park is remote with no active surveillance from the proposed dwellings representing poor design.”

He added plans for work at the rear of the development would also fail to enhance or preserve the Pelsall Common Conservation Area in which the houses would sit in.