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Economic Development

Football authorities raise objections as plan for retirement homes are rejected

Dudley Council rejected a proposal to demolish the former youth centre on High Street for 49 apartments and associated facilities

The vacant Kingswinford Youth Centre site where there were plans for a retirement apartment block (Image: Google)

Football authorities were among those who objected to plans for a block of retirement flats in Kingswinford, which have now been rejected. Dudley Council turned down a proposal to demolish the former youth centre on High Street to make way for 49 apartments and associated facilities.

The site currently houses play areas including a basketball court, which would be removed and replaced with a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA). However, Sport England, the Football Foundation and the Birmingham FA expressed concerns.

A report from Dudley Council planning officers stated: "Sport England considers that the plans do not show how the location of the MUGA and play area might impact on the capacity of the playing field to provide playing pitches.

"Sport England have consulted with Football Foundation who advise that the site is used by Kingswinford Knights FC and that parents usually park within the car park to the side of the youth centre and sometimes use the basketball court as an overflow. "Sport England advise that the FF and Birmingham FA object to the proposed development."

Applicant Churchill Living Ltd, responded: " Both the proposed new multi-use games area and children's play area would be a welcome replacement and overall betterment to the existing facilities which are at the end of their functional life."

Parking was another issue for planning officers who decided the scheme did not provide enough spaces for the new building or allow for the loss of spaces for visitors to the public recreational facilities.

The proposed design for a four-storey building offering 33 one-bedroom flats and 16 two-bedroom units was also an issue for planners.

Churchill Living Ltd said: "The detailed design of the scheme takes into account the development patterns, size and scale of the existing urban fabric of Kingswinford whilst providing accommodation that is tailored to the specific needs of the future owners. "