Renewed plan seeks approval to build new affordable and eco-friendly apartments

A RENEWED planning application seeking permission to transform a derelict Stourbridge site into new affordable and eco-friendly apartments has been submitted to council planners.

The application, by GreenSquareAccord Housing Association and Stourbridge Community Development Trust, seeks permission to demolish the old Mayfield House in Enville Street and build a new block comprising 11 one-bedroom apartments and a community space on the overgrown site.

The proposed new homes are intended for affordable social rent as part of a scheme which aims to provide environmentally sustainable affordable homes and space for community events or social activities.

A design and access statement submitted as part of the application says: “The site was originally granted planning permission however unanticipated delays in the application by GreenSquareAccord on the adjoining site have meant this permission has lapsed.

“We are now applying to renew the previously awarded planning permission for the same scheme as was previously given a full planning permission.

“The proposal will see an area of unsightly wasteland near to a heritage asset being brought back into use in a manner in keeping with the cultural heritage of the local community.”

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In line with the environmental sustainability aspirations of the scheme, the development would include photovoltaic panels with a battery storage system and a bee-hive area together with a roof garden, located on the roof.

It would also be the town’s first ‘car free’ housing scheme with workspace located at the entrance to the building that residents could use for homeworking which would help to reduce commuter traffic.

The design and access statement says given on the location of the site, next to locally listed gothic apartment building Alexandra House, the development creates an opportunity to create a “landmark building frontage and gateway to the town”.

The statement concludes by saying: “The proposals will see an area of unsightly wasteland near to a heritage asset being brought back into use in a manner in keeping with the cultural heritage of the local community.”

Eddy Morton, of Stourbridge Community Development Trust, who first mooted the idea for an affordable eco-friendly housing project such as this nearly 10 years ago, said the planning application relates to phase one of the scheme, which for various reasons, was delayed.

Planning approval was granted and remains live for phase two of the scheme which adds another 11 apartments.

He said: “It will completely revamp that western gateway.”

If planning approval is granted once again for the first phase of the project, it is expected that work will start in December this year or January 2026.

The innovative housing project aims to bring back a derelict site into use and to address issues of affordability of rent and energy as well as playing a part locally in efforts to combat climate change and to bring all of these elements together to bring about positive change and benefits for Stourbridge.

The scheme has previously won support from Wollaston and Stourbridge Town Labour councillor Cat Eccles who is now also the town’s MP.