Change in plans to convert historic Walsall County Court complex into flats' development

Applicant Charles Jordan Ltd lodged a full planning application for the proposed change of use from offices to dwellings for the construction of 54 dwellings instead of the 55 initially applied for at the premises known as Bridge House, in Bridge Street, Walsall.

If the town centre scheme gets the green light it would comprise of 45 one-bedroom flats, eight two-bedroom flats and one three-bedroom flat along with 37 parking spaces.The proposal also consists of rear third floor extensions, new front dormer windows, rooftop communal space and refuse and cycle storage at the site where the county court has been based for more than three decades. From the 1930s until the late 1980s Bridge House was a Co-op store.

The courts still occupy parts of the first and second floors while a number of businesses and vacant shop units are on the ground floor.

The built heritage and townscape report stated: "Bridge House possesses historic and architectural interest as a former Co-op building which played an active part in community lives in Walsall from the late 19th century. The proposed development will result in a low level of harm to the significance of the non-designated Bridge House - this relates only to the works to the frontage of the building with those proposed to the rear elevation and roof level resulting in a neutral impact. 

"There will also be no harmful impact arising from the proposed internal alterations. Bridge House has been identified as making a positive contribution to the character and appearance of the Bridge Street Conservation Area which is derived from its principal southern elevation. However, its vacant condition means there are opportunities for it to provide a greater contribution to its character and appearance. It also comprises a neutral element of the wider townscape settings of numbers 144A-147A, the Council House and the Lichfield Street Conservation Area. 

"The informed and proportionate approach to the scheme means that the important elements of Bridge House’s character and aesthetic will be retained and there will be no adverse impacts on the prevailing townscape qualities, with a minor beneficial impact identified within a number of the viewpoints. Additionally, the positive contribution of Bridge House to the Bridge Street Conservation Area will be enhanced through its more active engagement with the street scene."

"Overall, the proposed development will not cause harm to the significance of any designated heritage asset."

Objections and comments to the scheme relating to the application should be made to Walsall's planning department  via planning.walsall.gov.uk/ and searching application number  25/0322.

A decision over the plans will be made at a later date.

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