New Flats Proposed for Historic Brownhills Chapel Garden

Plans to construct five new flats on the garden of a historic chapel in Brownhills have been submitted to Walsall Council. The proposed development will be located adjacent to United House, a Locally Listed building recognized for its architectural and historic significance from the late 19th and early-20th centuries.

The planning application describes a three-storey building that will feature parking facilities, a bin store, and bike storage. The layout includes two single-bedroom flats on both the ground and first floors, with one additional flat on the third floor. Residents will also have access to a communal garden space, enhancing the living experience for future tenants.

Azid Gungah, the applicant, emphasized that the design of the new property aims to be “subservient” to United House, ensuring that the historic structure remains unobscured. The garden area, currently an open plot characterized by low vegetation and a variety of trees, is devoid of any built structures, making it a suitable site for development.

Access to the proposed flats will be facilitated via an existing service road off Chester Road North, which will lead to five designated parking bays. Notably, four of these bays are planned as electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, aligning with contemporary sustainability goals.

Mr. Gungah stated, “The proposed development balances the need for new housing with the imperative to protect and enhance the historic environment. The scheme has been carefully designed to respect the setting of United House, mitigate its environmental impacts, and overcome technical site constraints. It represents a sustainable, high-quality, and policy-compliant development that will make a positive contribution to the character of Brownhills.”

As the council reviews the application, the community awaits the decision, which could shape the future of this green space in Brownhills. The development reflects a growing trend in urban areas to balance new housing demands with the preservation of historical sites, a significant consideration in the planning process.