New shop to be built opposite common after Walsall Council gives permission
New shop to be built opposite common near Walsall after planning permission given
Plans to build a new shop opposite a a popular green space have been granted permission.
Walsall Council has approved plans to build the shop unit with a flat above on the site of a former doctor’s surgery opposite Pelsall Common.
Planners were told that the site between 33 and 35 High Street, Pelsall, had been unused for several years, and were now covered with demolition rubble and vegetation.
A similar scheme was granted permission in December 2011, but never went ahead within the required timeframe.
The building lies within the Pelsall Common conservation area.
A planning statement issued on behalf of applicant Scott Bethell said the surrounding area largely dated back to the Victorian era, and the intention was style the building to in a way that was as sympathetic to the original design type as possible.
“The proposal is to use Victorian-style facing brickwork and slate roof covering to enhance the area and enhance the general street scene,” it said.
“The proposed retail unit will sit well between existing neighbouring retail units and pedestrian access will be unaffected by the proposal.”
It said there was on-street parking within the immediate area.
“The surrounding properties have been altered in many ways over the years and the essential Victorian street scene has been affected by these alterations,” the report added.
“The proposal seeks to improve the appearance of the existing unused land by the introduction of a new Victorian style building which in scale, appearance and layout will enhance the street scene.”
Planning officer Rachel Rowley said one objection had been lodged with the council, voicing concerns about shared access arrangements and the disruption caused by scaffolding during construction.
She said: “Whilst the introduction of a new building within the streetscape would inevitably alter the street scene within this part of the conservation area, considering the proposed design and facing materials which would be secured by condition, the development would have less than substantial harm on the setting of the conservation area and would enhance the character and appearance of the Pelsall Common Conservation Area by developing a site that is currently unkept and overgrown.”
Planning permission was granted subject to the building being completed within three years.
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