Plans to transform derelict building into homes

A church has put forward plans to transform an eyesore building into a community hall and 12-bed home of multiple occupancy.

The New Testament Church of God hopes to transform the building, known locally as Chamberlains, which is three doors away from its premises in Upper Lichfield Street, Willenhall.

The property has been vacant since 2016 and has fallen into dilapidation with half of it destroyed by fire four years ago.

The church has lodged plans to make the front half into a 12-bed House of Multiple Occupation (HMO) and create a new hall from the shell of four walls remaining from the fire.

If approved by planners, the church will reinstate the roof, making the rear half a two-storey building.

The applicant hopes this can be used for community events, with catering and toilet facilities included.

Meanwhile, the HMO will include two kitchens for tenants, who will each have an en-suite bedroom.

No parking facilities are included within the plans for the site which is within the Willenhall Conservation Area.

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

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