Homes plan for derelict Telford centre backed
Plans to demolish a derelict building in Telford to make way for 16 new homes has received the backing of parish councillors.
Developers have submitted an application to turn a former youth club in St Georges into 10 homes and six flats.
The building on Gower Street has been empty since 2005 when the youth club closed after the heating system failed.
At St Georges and Priorslee Parish Council meeting held last night councillors agreed to recommend for approval the residential plans for the site.
Following the demolition of the Victorian school building, 10 two bedroom homes and a residential block containing six one bedroom flats will be built. The application, by Telford and Wrekin Housing Trust also includes 22 car spaces and 16 cycle spaces.
Councillor Sam Overton said he would have preferred the building to stay and be restored as a community building and Chairman Roy Williams agreed. Mr Williams said: "I wouldn't like to see the building go, but it can't be saved."
The sale of the site to developers was agreed by Telford and Wrekin cabinet in October last year.
Following the council's decision to sell the land, an online petition was created by Ryan Wood to save the 140 year old building, which was first used as a hospital for the mining community.
The petition reached more than 100 signatures with many residents voicing their upset at the demolition of the building. Tracey Davies said: "I grew up in St. Georges and remember many happy times at this building when it was a youth club. As an adult with children of my own, I helped run a junior youth club there, creating many more happy memories of a wonderful building. This building should definitely be preserved."
A decision will be made by January 22.
