Plan for distillery at Stourbridge Glass Museum withdrawn after objections
Dudley Council planners were set to give their verdict on an application for a change of use at a unit in The Newhouse Stuart Works at the glass museum in Wordsley.
Plans for a distillery at Stourbridge glass museum have been withdrawn after objections from nearby residents and other attractions.
Dudley Council planners were set to give their verdict on an application for a change of use at a unit in The Newhouse Stuart Works at the glass museum in Wordsley.
The application had been made by Crown Works Distillery Ltd to convert the unit into a craft distillery to produce and bottle spirits with visitor attractions including a shop and café.
A statement from the applicant said: “At the heart of the proposal is a small-batch distillery producing premium spirits using traditional methods.
“Visitors will be able to observe the distillation process safely from designated viewing areas, providing an authentic insight into modern craft production.
“The proposal represents a well-balanced and sustainable form of development that responds positively to the history, character and future aspirations of Stuart Works.”
The applicants proposed opening hours from 10am until 6pm Sunday to Wednesday and later opening to 10pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday to accommodate pre-booked tours and private events.
While the council’s historic environment officer had no objection to the plans, there was concern from other attractions in the heritage tourism area.
A statement from the nearby Red House Glass Cone said: “The Red House Glass Cone objects due to concerns about duplicating existing visitor, educational, catering and hospitality facilities.
“The key issue is whether it creates new economic activity or simply diverts visitors and spending from established local attractions. The application may negatively affect recently established businesses at the Red House Glass Cone.
“Previous Heritage Lottery Fund agreements linked to the Stourbridge Glass Museum restricted retail and catering provision to avoid undermining existing businesses, reflecting the importance of maintaining a balanced visitor economy across the quarter.”
People living close to the site also raised objections citing concerns about extra traffic and pressure on roads in the area from on-street parking.
A resident of the Glass Quarter said: “There are frequent RTAs (Road Traffic Accidents) outside the glass museum already.
“The fast moving traffic driving down the A491 southbound, cannot see over the brow of the hill where the bridge is, and turning out of the glass museum site by car is already perilous.
“We frequently have unauthorised vehicles parking around the Mill apartments, that belong to Argyle Close residents.”
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