Part Two: Centres and Site Allocations (Regulation 19)

Comment

Representation ID: 1400

Received: 29/11/2024

Respondent: Telereal Securitised Property GP Limited

Agent: Turley (London)

Owner of the Dudley Castle Exchange site. The site currently serves as a telephone exchange but has seen limited use for office-based employment. As BT consolidates its infrastructure, the site is expected to become surplus by 2031. The redevelopment for residential use would not result in the loss of active employment space, as the site primarily houses communication equipment.

Support the identification of the site for residential-led redevelopment and the allocation will help avoid prolonged vacancy and align with the council’s regeneration goals for Dudley Town Centre.

The Draft Local Plan currently suggests a residential capacity of 33 dwellings for the site. Based on initial feasibility studies and the site's urban location, this estimate is considered conservative. With the surrounding area consisting of mixed-use buildings, the capacity should be increased to approximately 80-100 residential units, assuming a flatted development. The final capacity should be determined during the planning application phase, incorporating environmental, townscape, and heritage considerations.

Overall, support for the flexibility in the Draft Local Plan, particularly in terms of residential capacity, as it allows for a detailed assessment of the site’s potential. However, recommend increasing the indicative residential capacity to better align with national and local policies aimed at maximizing brownfield land usage and meeting housing needs in town centres.