Wates Living Space has unveiled proposals to transform the old Guest Hospital site off Tipton Road.

The developer wants to keep some of the hospital buildings for apartments, but demolish the rest for a housing estate.

Only the administration building and porter’s lodge are to be retained and converted to residential use as part of the scheme.

A total of 157 homes are to be created in total.

Bosses at Thomas Dudley Ltd, based near to the site, have expressed concerns the development could have an impact on operations at the site.

Letters have also been received from two residents living near to the site.

They are concerned plans to remove gates at the Birmingham New Road frontage to create an entrance would be used as a through road, although that is not the intention.

It is feared this would lead to more traffic and pollution in the area.

But Dudley Council planning officers have supported the scheme, saying it is a suitable development for the site.

They have recommended it be given final approval when discussed by members of the authority’s development control committee on August 10.

A report, which will go before councillors at the meeting, says: “The proposed development would deliver a high quality, sustainable modern housing scheme including affordable housing and landscaping.

“A number of locally listed heritage assets on the site would be preserved and converted.”

Describing the scheme, Andy Doylend, partnership housing director at Wates Living Space, said:”We share a deep commitment with Dudley Council and the HCA to create a range of high quality new homes that knit together to create a thriving community for the people of Dudley, and this is very much our aspiration for the historic site.”

The scheme has already been hampered by delays. Seven years ago the hospital was taken off the hands of the NHS by the Homes and Communities Agency for homes.

Four years ago, Wates Living Space was appointed developer. But mine shafts and limestone works have forced changes to the project.

The hospital closed more than a decade ago after most departments, including accident and emergency, moved to Russells Hall Hospital.

It had been built by the Earl of Dudley in 1849 for injured miners, before chainmaker Joseph Guest turned it into a hospital.

 

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