Approval for homes on former battery factory
A former battery works in Wolverhampton will become 31 affordable homes after plans were approved by the city council.
Developer Wonderful Homes put forward plans for the former G&P Batteries plant earlier this year, the latest scheme for the 1.5-acre plot next to the Wyrley & Essington Canal in Heath Town.
Work to bring the contaminated and “long-derelict” brownfield site will begin early next year following the green light from Wolverhampton planners.
“The development will regenerate a long-standing derelict site, deliver much-needed housing, and provide employment benefits during construction. It will also enhance the setting and natural surveillance of the adjacent canal,” said a report from Wolverhampton council’s planning officer.
“The proposed layout and design of the new homes include adequate access arrangements, satisfactory on-site parking and shared amenity spaces.
“Overall, the proposals are considered acceptable and in accordance with the development plan.”
The project has been supported by Homes England’s Affordable Homes Programme – with a deadline of the beginning of March for works to begin in order to trigger a funding package for the development.
West Midlands Combined Authority has also provided an unspecified level of support from its land remediation fund to help clean up the site, which is heavily contaminated due to the site’s industrial history, stretching back over a century.
The proposals are the latest plan to bring the site back into use after outline planning consent for a development of 56 apartments was granted to Berkshire developer Wexham Homes almost five years ago but not started.
Documents and plans relating to the application can be viewed via the council’s planning portal, using reference: 25/01125/FUL
