New flats planned near town centre

The site, on Wellington Road, Bilston, has been left empty for a number of years, with neighbouring properties occasionally using it for parking.

Now owner Sandeep Bhatia, of Lal Investments Property, has submitted a planning application to erect a 2/3-storey flat development on the land – which sits between two late Victorian properties facing the main road.

In a letter to planners, agents Thorne Architecture Ltd said: “The new apartment building is designed to be slightly set back from Wellington Road.

“The owner has taken the decision to develop it and address a gap in the street. In terms of parking, the situation for neighbours will revert back to the circumstances which existed when the site was still occupied by frontage dwellings.

“Although two-storey, the neighbouring properties have tall roofs and converted attics. The proposed infill building is a combination of two and three storeys which will create a sympathetic solution to the scale of the surrounding buildings.

“The new development will continue the mixture of uses along Wellington Road and introduce a modern building with an image quality which will contribute to the townscape. The site will be bounded by a low wall and railings to maintain a clear definition between public and private space.”

Eight parking spaces, including one disabled, are included in the plans along with eight covered spaces for cycles.

The area is served by the 39 and 79 bus routes, providing direct access to Wolverhampton, Darlaston, Bilston town centre, Wednesbury and West Bromwich.

Wolverhampton Council’s planning department will make a decision on the application at a later date.