472 homes on the way as plans approved for regeneration of industrial estate

Details of the regeneration of the former Beans Foundry industrial estate off Birmingham New Road to provide 472 homes have been unveiled.

At its first virtual planning committee meeting on Tuesday, Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council unanimously approved the Reserved Matters submission of appearance, layout, scale and landscaping.

National consultants Pegasus Group produced the design and access of the site on behalf of Persimmon Homes Central.

Gemma Hizzett, an urban designer based in Pegasus Group’s Leeds office who worked on the project, said: “This is a great achievement for Persimmon Homes. The site had a higher than usual number of constraints that had to be overcome through thoughtful and inventive design, including mine shaft locations, retaining wall structures, the implementation of noise barriers implemented and a required stand off from a gas line.

“Our design also had to take into consideration the varying character areas for the house types, landscaping for the retaining structures and a scheme to protect houses from noise along Bean Road while also adding in some greenery to the area and open space for residents to walk the site.”

Richard Hodson, regional planning manager for Persimmon Homes, said: “This is an excellent result for Persimmon Homes and is testament to the strong working relationship Persimmon have with Pegasus Group’s design team in helping to achieve a successful outcome.”

The 13.45ha site lies to north of Sedgley Road West and east of the Birmingham New Road, Dudley, and comprises the former Beans Foundry and Newey Business Park. The Beans Foundry was demolished in 2008 and Newey Business Park is currently being demolished.

The scheme will deliver a range of two and 2.5 storey houses and three and four storey apartments. An area of public open space including footpaths and informal landscaping will form the centre of the development.

In recommending that councillors approve the Reserved Matters application, Dudley Council’s planning officer said the scheme would constitute a sustainable development which, subject to conditions, had addressed physical and natural impacts arising from and to the surrounding environment.