Industrial estate flats approved despite concerns

The building is surrounded by factories and commercial units, including a steel works and an asphalt quarry

A plan to convert an empty office block on a Wolverhampton industrial estate into flats has been approved two years after it was rejected over concerns about noise, dust and fumes from surrounding factories.

City of Wolverhampton Council turned down the original application to transform the Saturn Centre on Spring Road, Ettingshall, in 2023, saying the location posed health risks to future tenants.

The applicant Crown Choice Investments appealed that decision, but was rejected.

The council has now approved the plan for 77 flats after it was resubmitted earlier this year, with new mitigation measures like "super acoustic" windows.

In their report, planners said: "An additional noise report has been undertaken and satisfactory mitigation measures put in place to protect future occupiers."

They added: "Should noise be a problem, windows can be closed as there would be 'super acoustic insulation' installed."

They said the mitigation would also protect nearby businesses from complaints.

When rejecting the original plan in 2023, the council warned new flats in the area could lead to noise abatement orders being issued against neighbouring factories, damaging their ability to operate and harming the city's economy.

Concerns were also raised about a lack of parking at the site, which has limited public transport access.

The council has now concluded these issues have been addressed.

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