Superstore plan for lockmakers

A former lockmakers could be converted into flats and a supermarket, petrol station and houses built nearby as part of a multi-million pound Black Country regeneration scheme.

Willenhall Regeneration Company wants to transform the town's historic Yale factory in Wood Street which closed in 2005 into 47 flats.

An outline application to Walsall Council also includes development of land around the site including Upper Lichfield Street, Lower Lichfield Street, Walsall Street and Clemson Street car park.

The firm wants permission for a 75,000 sq ft supermarket with 542 space car park, 47 flats, 24 houses and a new road to improve access to the development site.

Swedish lock firm Assa Abloy owns the former Yale factory on Wood Street. At the end of last year it put forward its own plans which would have seen the former Yale and CE Marhsall sites demolished and replaced by 112 homes, bars, restaurant and leisure centre.

Walsall Council's development control committee rejected the scheme because it did not feel it made good use of the former lockmaking buildings and more appropriate schemes might be put forward for the land which is in a prime location near Willenhall town centre.

A total of 451 letters have been sent to residents and firms near the site asking for their views. One ward councillor feels the plan could drive more traders out of Willenhall town centre.

Councillor Sean Coughlan said: "I welcome any investment in Willenhall town centre but I am worried that a company like Tesco might be looking to move on to the site to the detriment of the area's smaller traders.

"These people have invested a large amount of time and energy into the town and a development of this size must place their future in serious doubt."

People have until June 4 to make their views known on the planning application. It is expected to go before Walsall Council's development control committee by the end of July.