Plans for new homes on former Coseley Baths site

The vacant land which used to house Coseley Swimming Baths

The site of a former public swimming pool in the West Midlands is to be turned into housing after plans were finally given the go-ahead by councillors.

Coseley baths were demolished in 2010 but it was not until 2022 when initial plans for homes were backed.

However that project stalled after developers found the cost of making the site safe higher than expected.

On Thursday, Dudley councillors approved revised plans for 34 homes.

The 2022 proposals for the plot on Pear Tree Lane included four affordable homes and a contribution to education in the area, but after the increase in costs councillors were asked to consider a new deal.

Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council has now agreed to accept a cash payment from developers of almost £158,000 towards building affordable housing in the borough.Councillor Peter Miller said: "This is a brownfield site we need to use. It's been nearly 20 years since the baths closed and it's been demolished for 10 years.

"It's been lying empty, we need to do something with this now."

Those objecting to the latest plans have expressed concerns about an increase in traffic and whether there would be enough parking spots available in the area.

Councillor Peter Drake said: "I feel, without improvements to the local infrastructure, the Coseley Baths site will have an excessive number of properties that will worsen parking issues and congestion and exacerbate road safety."

Permission will be withdrawn if the money is not paid to Dudley Council within six months.

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