PLANS for new facilities at a permanent travellers’ site in Halesowen have been given the go-ahead.
Members of Dudley Council approved a seven-pitch caravan park on the former Saltbrook Road scrapyard back in 2019, despite the application receiving more than 300 objections from residents of nearby properties concerned about an increase in crime.
The site was given permission for two permanent and five transit pitches, with a utility block.
Now an application to reconfigure the site to include a brick building housing a playroom, bathroom, utility and kitchen for the two permanent plots, has been given the go-ahead.
The building will measure 13m by 5.4m Under the application permission has also been granted for individual brick-built blocks for each of the five transit pitches which will each house a shower, WC and sink.
These will be between 3.2m and 3.4m up to 3.2m and 4.8m.
Existing welfare facilities for the two permanent plots will be removed.
A report by Dudley Council planners states that the two permanent pitches are in use, but the transit pitches have not yet been used.
It states: "The modest changes sought as part of the proposal would not increase the number of residential pitches nor would the proposal undermine the facilities provided as part of the original permission.
"The proposed relocation of the welfare facilities is considered acceptable in terms of the potential impact on the amenities of existing local residents and the amenities of the future occupiers of the site.
"The proposed development would not raise any significant ecological and highway safety concerns, subject to appropriate conditions and does not present any significant concerns with regard to exposure to noise or contaminants below ground."
The report also states that at the time of a site visit it was also being used for commercial vehicle storage.
It states that it is in a "predominantly industrial area."
Back in 2019 a representative on behalf of site owner Jack Sutcliffe said the site would help deliver travellers pitches which were needed in the borough. Planners said there was no evidence supporting fears the site would lead to an increase in crime.
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