Dudley Council planners have given the green light for 12 new dwellings to replace the club on Stourbridge Road.

The scheme was initially proposed back in June 2024 and, in supporting the plan, ward councillors expressed frustration at designs being rejected. Netherton and Holly Hall councillors, Elaine Taylor, Shaneila Mughal and Qasim Mughal, said in a joint letter to planners: “We wish to raise concerns we have on why this application has been refused.

“We note the predominant concerns pertains to plot one and two on the proposed new build site and directly refers to the parking for the said properties. 

“In our view schemes like this are never perfect and there has to be some leeway from both parties when plans are submitted.

“My colleagues and I have looked at these plans and cannot understand where the issues are, it looks more like policy interpretations to us rather than reasons for refusal.”

The vacant Woodside Liberal Club building was constructed in 1951 and previous applications for the site have been approved including a plan for 14 homes in 2018 however work never got under way. 

The current scheme is for a mix of two and three bedroom houses on the site which is next to Fens Pool Nature Reserve. In recommending approval of the plan, council planning officers said: “The proposals would provide a good quality development, which is considered would make a positive contribution to the area and which constitutes sustainable development.” 

Stourbridge-based architect HARC Design Bureau said in a design and access statement: “The development layout respects and complements its surroundings, with a scale and design of dwellings which will sit comfortably within the street scene, and which would have no adverse or detrimental impact upon existing neighbouring properties.”