Objections to homes plan for former Netherton industrial estate

A developer wants to built 39 homes on the former Tromans Industrial estate, at the junction of Saltwells Road and Halesowen Road opposite Aldi.

The site is home to a disused former furniture warehouse, a scaffolder’s storage yard and a small office building, which would all be bulldozed should the scheme get the go-ahead.

Pic: Google 

Plans are to build nine three-bedroom terraces, 14 three-bed semi-detached houses and a three-storey apartment block featuring 12 two-bedroom apartments.

The application, which has been submitted to Dudley Council, is from Alps Homes Limited.

It has already attracted objections from police and three local residents.

A response from West Midlands Police states that the homes would "generate crime" and lead to an "increase in burglaries and anti-social behaviour."

It states there are too many rear communal pathways, a lack of natural surveillance and a poor layout.

It states that from Apr 2020 to Mar 2021 in the ward there were 200 anti-social behaviour offences, 62 vehicle crimes, 60 burglaries and 636 instances of violent crime, reported.

It goes on: "These plans need to be drastically changed because at the moment this will be a high police demand area."

Pic: Simpatico Town Planning Limited for Alps Homes

A resident of nearby Weavers Rise has objected over concerns over boundaries and the entrance/exit onto the busy Halesowen Road which "could be an accident waiting to happen."

A resident of Purlin Wharf, a block of flats opposite the site, states: "My view from my living room will consist of houses instead of the lovely view of trees and greenery, the main reasons I purchased my flat."

Another resident of Purlin Wharf objected saying they would be overlooked by the new homes.

The council's urban design team has also spoken out against the proposal, which it says does not have a good layout.

A report states the "proposal still completely fails on the following: site layout, parking design, secured by design, street design/street-scene, relationship with existing trees and canal etc.

"Therefore, this planning application is contrary to all the above planning policies and guidance."

The site is next to the Dudley No 2 canal.

Pic: Google 

A design and access statement from the developer states that the site is earmarked in Dudley Council's Local Development Strategy as an allocated housing site, which could accommodate up to 49 new dwellings.

It goes on: "This development proposal represents an opportunity to provide high quality homes on an allocated housing site, meeting housing needs in the local community.

"The submitted scheme would greatly enhance amenity and vitality in the area, replacing a semi-derelict industrial site with attractive homes surrounded by generous areas of public realm and soft landscaping."

Pic: Simpatico Town Planning Limited for Alps Homes