Plan to turn historic Victorian stable near Dudley into three-bedroom house

A derelict stable dating back to the Victorian era will be converted into a house if plans lodged with Dudley Council are approved.

The proposals will also see a two-storey extension added to the side of the building, on the edge of Quarry Park of Vale Street in Upper Gornal.

The developer behind the scheme said the scheme would preserve the historic fabric of the building for the future, preventing further deterioration.

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Professor Edmund Simons, acting on behalf of the applicant, said the stable was built between 1887 and 1903, with a cart shed attached and hayloft above.

It said the stable, which is near to the Grade II listed Ruiton windmill, was a late example of such a building, but it had fallen into such a state of disrepair that it was of little significance.

“It has also largely lost its historic setting and it makes no contribution to the significance of neighbouring heritage assets,” said Prof Simons.

“The proposals will keep much of the appearance of the historic building and will represent a chance to restore some significance which will benefit the immediate area. It recommends limited building recording to allow preservation by record.”

A statement issued on behalf of the applicant said surviving historic features of the building included stone rear and gable walls, a brick principal elevation with original openings, evidence of the former cart shed and hay loft, and surviving stable fittings including brick mangers and tethering rings.

“The proposal seeks to secure the long-term future of a semi-ruinous locally listed former stable by converting it into a single dwelling,” the statement said.

It said the building was of low heritage significance due to its utilitarian nature and deteriorated condition, but was an increasingly rare surviving example of a late stable building within Upper Gornal.

“Without intervention, continued deterioration would place the remaining historic fabric at risk.”