Significant changes have been approved for two historic buildings in the Dudley borough, ensuring their preservation while adapting them to modern needs.
At Dudley’s former police station on New Street, council planners have approved ground floor alterations to convert two flats and a caretaker’s office into a new retail unit. Importantly, these changes will not affect the building’s exterior, which is locally listed. The building currently accommodates 24 flats, half of which are designated as socially rented housing. The conversion aims to provide residents, particularly those with social needs, with convenient access to retail services in their own building.
A statement supporting the application highlighted that the proposed retail facility would primarily serve the building’s residents but also benefit other local users in the city centre. It emphasized the positive impact on residential convenience, social interaction, and quality of life.
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In Stourbridge, planners have approved alterations to the historic Bonded Warehouse on Canal Street, a Grade II listed building dating back to 1779. The approved works include replacing the existing single staircase with a double staircase at the building’s entrance, alongside the addition of bollards to enhance pedestrian safety along the footway.
Dudley Council planning officers noted that the new staircase and bollards have been carefully designed to respect the architectural character and historic significance of the Bonded Warehouse. The minor, reversible changes are deemed to preserve the building’s special interest and its surrounding setting, causing little to no harm to this designated heritage asset.
These approvals reflect a balanced approach to preserving local heritage while adapting historic buildings to meet present-day community needs.