Plans to convert the former West Midlands Police training centre, Windmill House, on Windmill Lane in Smethwick into flats have been comprehensively revised and resubmitted. The updated application now seeks permission to convert the building into 69 one-bedroom flats, down from the original proposal of 76.
Earlier this year, Sandwell Council rejected the initial scheme for a large house of multiple occupation (HMO) on the site, citing concerns over the quality of accommodation and the impact on neighbouring properties. The previous plans were described as “oppressive” and “substandard,” with particular criticism directed at ground-floor rooms facing undesirable views of nearby warehouses, boundary features, and cycle storage.
In the revised proposal, the developers have addressed these issues by reducing the number of flats, which has allowed for a significant increase in on-site parking-from 23 spaces to 35. Internal layouts have been improved to enhance the quality of living spaces and communal areas. An enlarged first-floor roof terrace, directly connected to the residents' lounge, replaced the previous design, offering enhanced external amenity space. Additionally, landscaped gardens have been upgraded, and refuse and cycle storage have been relocated to better serve residents.
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The three-storey Windmill House, dating from the 1970s, was used as a police training centre and accommodation until its closure last year. The site, now empty, was sold to MNP Investment Holdings in June 2023 as part of West Midlands Police’s surplus property portfolio.
Council planners had previously expressed reservations about the design’s impact on neighbours, highlighting concerns of “direct and intrusive overlooking” and inadequate communal facilities. They also noted insufficient accessible external amenity areas, poor pedestrian connectivity from the car park to the rear, and impractical waste management arrangements due to refuse storage placement.
The original proposal planned a reduction of the site’s 47 car parking spaces down to 23, which the council deemed a “significant shortfall” compared to the 38 spaces required. The updated plans aim to mitigate this by increasing parking provisions.
The proposed development is intended to support healthcare workers at the nearby Midland Metropolitan University Hospital, which opened earlier this year. The wider area around Windmill Lane is targeted for regeneration, including plans for hundreds of new homes and the creation of a new school, signalling broader investment and development within the community.