Click on image above to enlarge

Accessibility:
Proposals improve the access for hirers and community users providing a lift to first floor accommodation and improving the disabled facilities and horizontal circulation within the building. Externally, disabled parking bays are provided close to the new entrances, giving easy access to all parts of the new building.

The site is in close proximity to existing health, education, shops and transport services of the main high street and can be accessed by bus, metro, cycle on foot, in addition to
the car.

Appropriate Development Form:
The proposals make better use of the existing site replacing the single storey flat roofed building with more appropriate two storey accommodation to meet the needs of the local Yemeni community. The two storey form respects the scale of the two storey height of neighbouring buildings and assists in improving the appearance of the existing building and its relationship to the neighbouring Staples Store. A bolder building with greater visual impact and better design quality at this location would complement the Staples building, helping to define the corner on this important focal site. The proposed extension floating above the existing building provides not only the means of achieving this, but also removes temporary buildings and roof services from view.

Minimal Intervention and disruption:
The good quality landscaping along the frontage to Tildasley Street and the Black Country New Road is preserved, and not affected by proposals.

The ground floor will remain largely unaltered causing minimal disruption to the existing activities of the community association and other users. The proposed new first floor will be built independently above the existing building and not rely on the existing structure for support. This will enable the existing building to remain in operation without disruption longer than would otherwise be possible.