Historic Walsall leather workshop to be turned into apartment block

The former Sabre Leather Co building in Sandwell Street, Walsall, will be turned into 13 flats under the proposals which Walsall Council's planning committee is being recommended to approve.

Some structures will also be demolished to help create a courtyard area for future residents who are expected to be young professionals.

The building is locally listed and dates back to the 19th century but has been empty since 2019 with the applicants saying there were structural problems.

Council planning officers said the redevelopment of the site would enhance the building which sits in a conservation area.

But the plans from Thirteen Estates Ltd have sparked strong opposition from residents who raised a number of issues with the scheme including impact on their amenity, car parking, litter and loss of privacy.

In a report to the committee, some of the objections said: “Sandwell House opposite the site has drug related issues due to tenants which could be the case for this development. (There is) potential for anti-social behaviour which is already a problem in the area.

But officers said there was no evidence to suggest occupiers of the new flats would create issues with drugs while any anti-social behaviour in the area needed to be reported to the authorities.

Officers said: “In weighing the material planning considerations, taking into account the local and national planning guidance and views of neighbouring occupiers, it is considered and on balance the proposed residential development is acceptable.

“Any economic and social benefits in this instance will not have any detrimental impact on the environment.

“Taking into account the above factors, it is considered that the application should be recommended for approval.”

In the application Thirteen Estates said: “Little is known of occupants prior to 1891. The property was occupied by the Macfarlane Family from said date manufacturing harnesses for circus ponies.

“The family lived in the two storey property fronting Sandwell street with the rear three-storey building used as a factory and workshop.

“After (owner) Robert Macfarlane’s passing in 1923 the building was sold to The Ideal Leather Case Company and later to Sabre Leather which continued the tradition of manufacturing harnesses until early 2019.

“The driving force behind the scheme is to conserve, enhance and re-use of the existing buildings, by part demolition of structures that have little heritage value and converting the building to provide one bed studio and one bedroom apartments for young professionals.

“The scale, design and layout of the proposed development ensures that it respects the Church Hill conservation area and reinforces the strong character of the street scene.”