Plans to use Grade II listed building approved

The house on Sandy Lane, Brewood, is set to be refurbished

A Grade II listed former malthouse building in a village will be brought back into use as part of a new housing development, councillors heard.

Grain Ridge in Brewood was converted into residential use in the 20th Century and has been vacant for a number of years, but is set to be refurbished after plans to build four new homes in the grounds were approved.

There were more than 40 objections to proposals, with concerns including loss of trees, increased traffic and impact on local infrastructure such as schools.

But South Staffordshire Council planning committee members approved the development.

David Blackadder-Weinstein, from Brewood and Coven Parish Council, told the district authority's planning committee that parish councillors had voted to support the application.

"We are aware of speculative applications for green belt surrounding our village and I don't think we would be able to oppose these if we went against five homes in a prominent sustainable location in the middle of the village."

A previous application proposed up to 12 new homes in the grounds, as well as a new access off Stafford Street public car park and conversion of Grain Ridge into five flats.

This was withdrawn in April 2021, following discussions with the district council's planning team.

On Tuesday, committee members heard four new properties was the minimum required to make the development scheme viable and voted to approve the latest plans.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.