Bid to turn historic WW1 hospital into flats in Walsall to be decided by Government inspectors

Applicant Kimberley Developments is looking to create eight flats in the Grade II Listed Aldridge Manor House, off Little Aston Road.

But the developer has now lodged an appeal with the planning inspectorate against Walsall Council on the grounds of ‘non-determination’ of the application.

Members of the authority’s planning committee will be asked to indicate whether they would have granted permission or not at a meeting next week, with the decision forming part of it’s evidence at the eventual hearing.

Manor House is more than 100 years old and served as a hospital during the First World War. It treated a total of 941 people and was staffed and funded by people from the area.

In more recent years, it was used as a library and then a youth centre by Walsall Council and is currently used to provide temporary accommodation.

Last year, a proposal to incorporate Manor House into a huge retirement complex were thrown out because planners felt the design and size of the overall scheme would have a negative impact on the listed building.

The new development would see five two bedroom flats, two one bedroom and a three bedroom apartment created if it was allowed.

In a report to planning committee, officers said the development would have an adverse impact on the Cannock Chase Special Area of Conservation, which the house falls within 15km of.

This means the applicants would have to carry out an assessment of the potential impact on the area before the proposal could progress.

One objection was also received which said the village already experienced too much traffic and the site was too close to shops, schools, church and cricket club.

It said: “The applicant has been appealed to the Planning Inspectorate against non-determination of the application.

“The planning authority are seeking a resolution from members on how they would have otherwise determined the application.

“The resolution will be forwarded to the Planning Inspectorate and will form part of the council’s appeal documents.”

Kimberley Developments said there would be little alteration to the outside of the building and work would involve internal alterations.

Car parking will be created on the grounds while disused garages and an activity hall will be demolished.

They said: “The development will ensure and improve the historic and ongoing residential use at The Manor contributing to the economic and communal vibrancy of the Conservation Area.

“Smaller apartments will be delivered suitable for town centre locations and the demographic from the local community, that is likely to need them.

“The development will deliver eight new residential units in an area where there is an under provision of homes.

“The completed scheme will deliver a sensitively restored building that enables and delivers number of significant direct and indirect benefits to the community of Aldridge. The scheme is therefore respectfully recommended to Walsall Council.”