| 22.1 In recent years Great Bridge has undergone changes, traditional industrial bases have been lost and sites reclaimed and developed for alternative uses such as new housing. New development has been attracted to areas opened up along the Black Country New Road, which was officially opened in November 1996.The town is well served by public transport links and it is anticipated that the proposed Midland Metro Line extension, from Wednesbury to Brierley Hill is seen as complementing these links further. These elements have improved the local environment, widened the potential catchment area of the town centre and significantly raised the profile of Great Bridge as a place for attracting further development and investment to the area. However, it is acknowledged that there are difficulties of access, especially by public transport, to and from certain areas of new development along the Black Country New Road. 22.2 Great Bridge is a typical Black Country settlement made up of mixed land uses and serves as a main shopping destination in the north-west of the Borough. Great Bridge continues to provide a traditional shopping environment and a social focus for the local community. New industrial and commercial uses have located within walking distance of the town and new residential development has increased the number of households by nearly 1000 in recent years. Statistics in the 1995 Sandwell Shopping Survey show that Great Bridge has an above average number of resident retired people, a low level of car ownership and that almost half of the community continues to rely on the town to meet its everyday needs.  22.3 New businesses have been attracted to the area. A major new food store for Asda, and a number of non-food retail units have been developed on a large former industrial site at the northern edge of the traditional centre. This development has expanded the retail core of the centre. It will increase the existing catchment area and will encourage considerable additional expenditure to be directed to Great Bridge. Therefore, an opportunity exists to try to maximise the benefits of the new superstore in terms of attracting further investment, additional revenue and more shoppers/visitors into the wider town centre. 22.4 The future success and viability of town centres depend upon the quality of environment that is achieved. People need to feel safe where they live, work and shop and seek leisure and service activities which are easily accessible to them. 
22.5 Great Bridge is a linear town centre extending from Horseley Heath in the west to Whitehall Road in the east. A commercial area extends southwards a short distance from the latter and the local housing office and public library is situated on the corner of Sheepwash Lane. Industrial and commercial land uses, together with vacant and under used sites, exist to the east. The Black Country New Road and Great Western Way severs the catchment area for the centre to the north and the area to the south is primarily residential. The centre is at the convergence of roads from West Bromwich, Dudley and Wednesbury and has the advantage of a main road frontage which attracts passing trade from through traffic. Some traffic has been directed onto the Black Country New Road and Great Western Way. But traffic conflict, caused by heavy traffic flows, particularly heavy goods and service delivery vehicles, still exists within the main shopping area. 22.6 The centre retains many Victorian and Edwardian buildings, some of which have been improved through grant assistance schemes. The setting of these buildings helps to identify Great Bridge and link it to its traditional past. Historically, Market Place formed the central focus for the town but changes to the road network and the circulation pattern, particularly around the Limerick Public House, have affected the character of the town. The centre has now spread out along Market Place and Great Bridge, and shops and supporting uses have become dispersed, a process which has weakened the main core of the centre. A number of redevelopments, most noticeably that of Kwik Save, have taken place, which do not conform to the traditional street pattern, and there is a distinct lack of usable public urban space which reduces the opportunity for socialization. Furthermore, the continuity of the town centre is broken by the canal/river corridor and adjoining vacant land which perpetuates the gap in the Market Place frontage. The bus station is located at the western extremity of the centre, while the major car parking areas are located to the east, with one being to the rear of Kwik Save. 22.7 Older terraced housing located along Great Bridge Street, at the eastern edge of the centre, has become isolated due to the development of the new store. The environmental and visual amenity enjoyed by these properties is poor, due to the new development of the Asda site, surrounding industrial land uses and derelict land left by the partial demolition of the former Muntz works. 22.8 Great Bridge is a traditional, well-established town centre which has a substantial catchment area. Changing trends in retailing, particularly since the 1970s, have seen the closure of several multiples, including Woolworths, Tescos, Burtons and Fosters. On the other hand Kwik Save opened a new store in 1988 which improved the opportunity for food shopping provision. The centre continues to provide outlets which sell clothing, electrical goods, household goods and furnishings as well as a range of services including banks, cafes, public houses and restaurants. 22.9 According to the 1995 Sandwell Shopping Survey the town centre is an important facility for many local people, particularly the residential area to the south. It is also evident that a significant number of people travel away from the centre to purchase their main food, clothes and other comparison goods. This is not untypical of modern shopping patterns. However, the development of the new food store and non-food units which form part of the scheme, present an opportunity to retain and recapture trade which is currently leaving the area. The town centre location of the new stores will also maximise the opportunities for linked trips for example, those trips which include visits to the new store and also the existing facilities in Great Bridge, access to which will be gained by various means, other than the private car. 22.10 An opportunity exists to raise the profile of Great Bridge through the development of the new stores which may provide a catalyst for attracting further investment to the area as a whole. In recent years retail changes and the strength of competition from other areas have placed pressure on traditional centres and their future viability. It is important that the planning process identifies the beneficial changes that could take place in order to ensure future development that complements and enhances Great Bridge. The development of the new food store and associated units have reinforced the retail core of the town and opened up an opportunity to stimulate further investment. 22.11 A reasonable range of shopping facilities exist in Great Bridge, although there are few major names or multiples. Kwik Save and the markets remain the main attractions and underpin a number of services and leisure facilities, although the latter are somewhat limited in number and appeal. 22.12 There are two markets currently in operation in Great Bridge, a private indoor market which opens on two days per week, and a Council run outdoor market which operates from the adjoining car park on two mornings per week. 22.13 Shop vacancy appears to be low, although the use of upper floors tends to be limited and some businesses appear marginal, particularly those on the periphery of the centre. This is a typical feature of town centres where small businesses, which would otherwise be uneconomical to run because of their small turnover, are able to operate in premises which attract low rentals due to their location. However there is scope for change on the western periphery of Great Bridge, where site assembly could be complemented by the loss of some smaller units. 22.14 The future viability of Great Bridge as a traditional centre is of particular importance to that part of the local community who are within walking distance, particularly from the substantial residential area in the south. Pedestrian access from the new housing and industrial development to the north is inhibited because of poor pedestrian links across the new road, Great Western Way. However, the tradition of travelling to the centre from further a-field by bus continues. 22.15 Great Bridge has a bus station located off Market Place from which approximately seven bus services currently operate. Access to the centre by car is nevertheless important, and the significant usage of the public car parks and the Kwik Save car park, is apparent particularly on market days. There is restricted on-street car parking availability on Market Place and Great Bridge. Car parking provision is generally attuned to the centre, although the car parking availability on the eastern edge of the town is somewhat distant and under used. Conflicts exist in the town between shoppers car parking, delivery vehicles servicing premises and the non-essential vehicular traffic which travels through the main shopping area accessing the wider area of Oldbury, West Bromwich, Dudley, Wednesbury etc. The long term aims of reducing through traffic needs to be addressed by considering the wider as well as local area in order to improve pedestrian movement in the main shopping area and quality of environment. 22.16 The Black Country New Road and Great Western Way have removed some through-traffic from the centre but have severed easy pedestrian access from the north of the town. This has reduced the potential benefits of attracting pedestrian movement from new housing and industrial developments to the north of the town centre. The canal/river corridor offers some potential to provide renewed pedestrian links, however the poor condition of the towpath and walls, do not help to make this an attractive or safe route at present. Improving pedestrian links to and from the centre will be a key element in this plan. 22.17 The proposed Midland Metro Line extension, Wednesbury to Brierley Hill, is anticipated to open to the public 2005/2006.This extension will travel along the disused rail track to the north of the centre and it is proposed that there will be a metro stop sited on the north-west side of New Road.The metro extension will offer the potential of bringing people into the centre, enabling further shoppers who do not have access to a car to use the facilities and will link Horseley Heath and Dudley to West Bromwich. However, the link will also enable quick and convenient access to Merry Hill which could pose a threat to the continued viability and vitality of the centre. 22.18 There is direct cycle access which links West Bromwich to the Horseley Heath area. 22.19 Between 1986 and 1992 there was considerable public and private investment in the physical fabric of the centre. A significant number of properties received grant assistance through enveloping schemes and repaving works have also been carried out. An environmental improvement scheme carried out at Haines Bridge has provided a green environmental corridor and attempted to provide a semi-public meeting place. Despite these collective attempts to enhance the area there are pockets of buildings and other aspects of the physical environment which detract from the image of the centre. 22.20 The quality of public space is poor and there is no formal meeting place. Little opportunity exists for social gathering and there is also an absence of public seating in the town. This is particularly evident on land to the rear of the public footpath which fronts the Kwik Save store. The building has been set back from the existing street frontage, providing an opportunity for a public space. However, the lack of detail in the building's facade and the lack of quality landscaping/hardscaping in the area has created an alienating pedestrian space. No attempt has been made to address the street frontage, and to provide a quality setting for the building or forge visual links with the wider area of the town. 22.21 Although some traffic has been diverted onto the new bypass, traffic volumes remain high along the main shopping streets. This does not create a comfortable shopping area, as the resulting environment is often hostile in terms of road safety and the level of noise and pollution. The problems are particularly evident on market days and when service vehicles deliver to premises in certain locations. 22.22 The town has the advantage of an environmental corridor referred to as Haines Branch Walk, running through its centre. Unfortunately the potential of this facility has not been fulfilled as a pedestrian link through the green space, which is accessible to the town, has become overgrown and is intimidating for pedestrians. 22.23 The town has little presence from the new roads, it is not announced by the physical form of the western Gateway or by signage. The most prominent elevations are to the rear of buildings facing into Market Place, which present unattractive and uninviting views. Furthermore, it is important that the rear elevations of properties facing into Great Bridge, that are viewed from the new Asda car park, are improved in order to attract visitors from the new development, across the footbridge and into the town. There is a danger that the environment and image of the centre may prejudice the opportunities and potential presented by the new residential and industrial development to the north. The perception of a declining centre may even deter its continued use by the traditional catchment population if this situation is not addressed.
22.24 There is likely to be a period of adjustment in the town centre as the impact of the new shopping pattern unravels. Given the marginal nature of certain old, smaller units it will be beneficial to promote the consolidation of a more concentrated centre of activity. This will involve a more flexible approach to the development of sites as they become available for renovation, reuse or redevelopment, particularly towards the western periphery of the town and premises in Brickhouse Lane South. This will be particularly pertinent where site amalgamation could assist a more comprehensive approach being taken towards the redevelopment of the area. 22.25 In order that the centre announces itself to potential customers and passing traffic, its profile from the new road and the new development should be raised. This can be achieved by the development of vacant sites, by improvement to rear elevations of buildings to the north of Market Place and Great Bridge, and the development of strong gateway features at the northern, western and eastern approaches to the town. 22.26 The availability of undeveloped land would enable some restructuring of the centre. It is also important that the centre is unified and that any gaps or breaks are filled with appropriate uses, in particular the area adjoining the river. The development of such sites should seek to create a continuous street frontage. 22.27 The town centre would become more user friendly and enjoyable through the creation of a number of pedestrian links and public spaces, particularly within the Market Place area, where an opportunity exists to create a new central focus for the town. The creation of new public urban spaces or the improvement of those which are existing should be addressed by development proposals. The reduction and management of non essential vehicular traffic within the main shopping streets, achieved through traffic management initiatives in the wider area of the town centre and the re-prioritisation of vehicle flows leaving and entering Great Bridge and Market Place, would also assist in the creation of a pedestrian friendly environment. The provision of signage and the coordination of street furniture would also assist and improve pedestrian movement and raise the profile of the town centre. 22.28 The redevelopment of land currently occupied by older terraced housing which is nearing the end of its useful life, situated at the eastern edge of the centre, would allow for the consolidation of land uses in the area. The clearance of these houses by the Council is unlikely in the foreseeable future because of the lack of funds. However, the redevelopment of the site for industrial or leisure uses as part of a redevelopment package for the former Muntz Site would allow for a comprehensive approach towards development. 22.29 The new retail development which includes Asda, Boots, JJB Sports and Poundstretcher, will have a major impact on Great Bridge, and will dramatically alter the shopping pattern of the wider area. Significant numbers of new shoppers will focus on the Town Centre. It is estimated that the total annual retail expenditure in the area will increase dramatically as will the number of visitors. The combination of new major retail development and new road access will significantly raise the profile of Great Bridge and offer a unique opportunity to attract further new investment to the town. This can be achieved through site allocation for appropriate types of supporting development which will strengthen the economic base of the wider area as well as attracting additional revenue to the town centre. 22.30 It is necessary to improve and strengthen pedestrian links into the centre and where necessary development proposals should be designed to achieve this. This would be possible through the enhancement of existing links and the development of new safe and attractive routes which are convenient to use. For example, safe pedestrian movement should be encouraged between new housing and business to the north of the centre. In particular it is important to break down the physical barrier which the new road has created, as it restricts pedestrian flows from the catchment area to the north of the town centre. Possibilities include the use of the canal/river corridor, but the installation of additional surface crossings to give pedestrian priority will be necessary. New links should feed into the centre where greater priority will be given to pedestrians, cycle users and bus services. These elements should be balanced with the need to provide shoppers car parking and servicing. 22.31 It is essential to the future success of the town that through traffic is discouraged from using the centre, by means of signage and the installation of additional surface pedestrian crossings. The long term aims of reducing through traffic need to be considered and will be addressed in the wider area of Great Bridge so that non-essential traffic, particularly heavy/commercial vehicles, is discouraged from using the town centre by means of alternative routes. Furthermore, non-essential vehicles entering and leaving the main shopping streets of Market Place and Great Bridge will be discouraged by the implementation of new traffic management schemes in Market Place. 22.32 This will improve pedestrian movement and improve the environmental quality of the main shopping area. It will also enable the provision of public spaces, rationalised on-street car parking and improved service arrangements to take place. The detail of a traffic management scheme would involve close liaison with shop keepers. However, it is important that the centre is available to all of the community and the needs of disabled people should be a primary consideration when considering the redesign of the centre. 22.33 The environment of the wider area has been transformed by the new roads and the significant new development which has been associated with them. The key to the future success of Great Bridge lies in improving its image and the integration of new development with the existing centre. Great Bridge is already a lively place, particularly on market days, and it offers goods and services which are priced to meet the needs of the local community. However, there is little evidence to suggest that it attracts much custom from beyond walking distance. An opportunity exists to alter this because of the development of the new store and through the identification of further development sites which will promote the continued use of the town centre. Further new development such as new social and community uses need to be encouraged which promote an evening as well as daytime economy. 22.34 The development of vacant sites within the centre and on its periphery will contribute to improving and changing the existing image, both in terms of amenity and facilities. Encouragement should be given to development which results in the provision of quality buildings and frontages. The reprioritisation of the shopping streets should make the town significantly safer, quieter, cleaner and less polluted, thereby improving the shopping environment, which would be complemented by the introduction of coordinated signage and street furniture. Collectively these measures would offer an attractive, safe environment which is pleasurable and convenient to use and would encourage the fuller integration of the town centre. 22.35 The Traders Association in partnership with Asda, West Midlands Police and Sandwell Council have been successful in bidding for resources to implement CCTV coverage in the town.
22.36 The overall objective for the future of Great Bridge is to secure its continued role as one of Sandwell's town centres. This will be achieved by defining a town centre boundary which integrates traditional and modern town centre services. This will enable town centre and edge-of-centre development sites and complementary environmental improvement to be identified, so that new land uses and people who live, work, visit and shop are attracted to the town. 22.37 In addition to the policies outlined below, Development Control Policies identified within the context of Part 2 of the UDP will also apply to the centre. 22.38 Individual development sites within and adjacent to the town centre may be the subject of future development briefs which will reflect design principles and facilitate proposals. 22.39 Applications for major new development will need to be supported by a site investigation report and in some cases a transport assessment may be requested in accordance with PPG13.
Great Bridge is designated a Town Centre within which major retail development will be concentrated. 22.40 In view of the major investment in the infrastructure which has taken place in recent years and the establishment of major retail operators it is considered appropriate that the centre is now identified as a Town Centre. 22.41 Great Bridge should continue to function as a centre which provides a range of convenience and durable goods to a wide catchment area, together with a range of activities and services, and to act as a focus for the community and for public transport. Adequate levels of car parking provision will also be provided to serve the town. 22.42 The policies for Great Bridge Town Centre take into account the various policy directions contained within National Government Planning Guidelines. In brief, there is a need to achieve sustainable development, which includes employing good urban design, mixed use developments, the promotion of development within the town centre, the availability of a choice of means of transport reducing reliance on the car, and supporting the regeneration of local centres and communities. 22.43 In broad terms policies for Great Bridge are intended to meet these needs by defining a town centre where a range of suitable uses can be concentrated, particularly those which attract numbers of visitors or workers, identifying sites for development or redevelopment, introducing design guidelines and maintaining and enhancing, where possible, public transport links.
Proposals for retail development will not be considered outside the town centre boundary, as defined by the Inset Map. This will ensure a vital and viable town centre which provides all of the community and visitors to Great Bridge with a focus for their shopping, business, leisure and social activities whilst retaining the centres identity. 22.44 In order to achieve a coherent, safe and viable centre which is accessible by the widest possible means and to all parts of the community, town centre uses, including car parking, will be concentrated within the defined town centre. 22.45 The vitality and future viability of Great Bridge Town Centre will need to be nurtured and safeguarded. The town centre boundary combines old and new town centre uses and opens up opportunities for further new development to take place. 22.46 The town centre is linear in design, and retail and business uses are concentrated along Great Bridge and Market Place. The new retail park is accessed by car off Brickhouse Lane South although there is a direct pedestrian link which connects the town centre core with new development.
Within the town any proposals for change of use to a use falling within Class A3 will be assessed with regard to impact upon the dominant retail function and activity and its effect on the vitality and viability of the centre. 22.47 Encouragement will be given to the provision of a full range of town centre services which offer visible choice between shops, services and social destinations. 22.48 Within the town centre the use of storeys above ground floor level for offices or residential purposes will be encouraged where appropriate so long as the environmental amenity afforded to residents is considered satisfactory. For example, care must be taken to avoid nuisances which could be caused to occupants by other existing uses.
New development will be expected to contribute to the environmental quality of the centre.
New development should be designed in a manner whereby all elevations which are visible from public places should enhance the interest, appearance and character of the area through the use of materials and features and through their mass and scale. Predominant corner or gateway sites should be developed in a way which emphasises their visual importance.
In Great Bridge and Market Place in particular, proposals should reflect existing building lines, heights, presence of detail and the setting of the Market Place Area. Development should not be designed so that blank frontages look onto the main shopping streets and main pedestrian routes. Designs which add interest and variety and reflect local context will be encouraged. Encouragement will be given to the refurbishment of premises and to measures which aid pedestrian movement, improve servicing and provide other environmental improvements including hard and soft landscaping. 22.49 The future success of local centres such as Great Bridge will depend on retail and service facilities for the local community being available in an attractive and safe environment. It is important to improve the environmental quality of the town centre by lessening the impact of traffic in the main shopping streets which will aid pedestrian movement and improve the appearance of the street scene. 22.50 Even when a centre is thriving the general appearance of old buildings often in a poor state of repair, can give the impression that the centre is in decline. Measures to refurbish shop premises and to bring into use vacant parts of buildings can make a positive contribution to the improvement of the centre.
It is proposed that pedestrian movement is enhanced in the main shopping streets by the provision of new and improved pedestrian crossings and the rationalisation of on-street car parking. 22.51 Environmental improvements contribute much to the attractiveness and air of vitality of centres. While the development of the Black Country New Road and Great Western Way has removed much of the through traffic from the centre, non essential traffic, often heavy goods vehicles, still access the main shopping streets. By discouraging this type of vehicular traffic from using the town, through the implementation of highway safety measures, the shopping environment will be enhanced for pedestrians.
All proposals for the town centre will be required to demonstrate how they
contribute to maintaining or improving accessibility and linkages. Existing
levels of permanent off-street parking will be maintained where possible. Where
development in the town centre results in the loss of car parking, alternative
sites will be sought or the quality of the remaining car park facilities
upgraded. 22.52 Generally proposals for new built development will be expected to provide adequate levels of car parking. It is important that lost car parking facilities are replaced where possible in order to ensure that the broad objective of ensuring an attractive and safe shopping environment is not prejudiced. Replaced and improved facilities will be expected to be of a high standard of design.
Great Bridge Council Owned Car Park Site Area: - 0.45 hectares (1.1 acres) approximately
Allocation: - Mixed-Use Development in the form of Retail Uses(includingA3), Offices (upper floor levels only), Public Space and Car Parking
22.53 This high profile site is uniquely placed at the eastern gateway of Great Bridge Town Centre. It is expected that new development will be of a high quality design and will integrate the town centre with the Asda development, as this will help reinforce the future economic viability of Great Bridge. 22.54 Although the site is not vacant or under used, the car park forms an inappropriate gateway to the eastern approach of the centre. The site has the benefit of a main street frontage and a water-side location, adjacent to the canal. It will have a physical link with the new store in the form of a footbridge over the canal. Here potential exists to reinforce the setting of the new store, when viewed from Great Bridge Street, Great Bridge and Whitehall Road and forge positive links between the existing and new facilities. Retail uses could be accommodated on this site and should provide an element of public urban space in the design that links in with the new canal footbridge and provides space for the Council run outdoor market to operate. Office uses will only be considered appropriate at upper floor level. 22.55 The design of new development should be sensitive to the area, address the primary elevations of the site and reinforce the street frontage. The rear of any built development should also be of good quality design to provide a positive face to the canal and be visually attractive when viewed from the Asda development so that potential new shoppers are drawn into the traditional shopping area. In view of the size of the site it would also be possible to retain an element of car parking provision within the design of the development. This would enable an even distribution of parking in the town and discourage traffic from travelling through the centre from the east and south. Overspill car parking would be catered for on alternative available sites, particularly through the development of
Proposal Site GBPr3 and the improvement of
Proposal SiteGBPr2. The improvement and upgrading of
Proposal Site GBPr2 should be considered as part of any planning permission granted to
Proposal SiteGBPr1.
Council Owned Car Park off Whitehall Road Site Area: - 0.12 hectares (0.3 acres) approximately
Allocation: 22.56 This car parking area provides overspill car parking for the town centre. However, the site is remote and is poor in terms of safety, quality and design. The redevelopment of existing car parking facilities in the area, particularly at
Proposal Site GBPr1, will increase the need for off-street car parking in the area. Therefore it would be desirable that the car park off Whitehall Road is upgraded and the environment improved as part of any redevelopment proposals for
Proposal Site GBPr1.
Market Place Site Area: - 0.8 hectares (1.9 acres) approximately
Allocation: - Mixed Use Development in the form of Retail Uses (including A3) or Office Use, Public Space and Car Parking
22.57 This is a large vacant central site which straddles the River Tame and adjoins the Canal. It is also visible from the new road, Great Western Way. The development of this site for retail or business uses would reinforce the heart of the town by creating a focal point. The site offers potential for re-siting the market or new complementary retail uses. This would raise the profile of the centre by closing the gap in the street frontages which currently exists. New development should be designed to reinforce the street frontage and improve views from the new road. An opportunity exists for new development to utilize the waterfront setting and reinforce pedestrian links, particularly by the improvement of the canal towpath, which would provide improved links to the catchment area in the north, or by creating new links with the Asda development. 22.58 New development should also provide a public space which could possibly provide links with Haines Branch Walk. Public space provision could be multifunctional and may also provide an opportunity for the re-siting of the open market. The site has the potential to provide car-parking facilities which are more centralised to the town and which would compensate for the loss of car parking due to the development of
Proposal Site GBPr1 and
Proposal Site GBPr5. 22.59 However, there are significant site constraints which will restrict the development of the site. There is a trunk sewer which crosses the site north to south and ground conditions may be problematic for certain types of development. The River Tame, which runs through the site, is identified as a Wildlife Corridor.
Adams and adjoining land Site Area: - 1.9 hectares (4.7 acres) approximately
Allocation: 22.60 This is a site which previously housed vehicle servicing/repair uses. The site has a narrow frontage onto Market Place, which breaks the continuity of the shopping street frontage, but the primary access is via Mill Street. The former industrial uses were not compatible with the surrounding area which is predominantly residential to the west and south. This area, where heavy industry and housing exist side by side, presents a particularly poor environment for residents in Mill Street and Lewis Street. 22.61 There are a number of other commercial parcels of land adjoining the site that are currently under used or vacant and an amalgamation of the total sites would allow for a more comprehensive approach towards the redevelopment of the site, so that better site access could be achieved and the frontage to Market Place strengthened. New development here should be built to the back of pavement and retail uses would be appropriate, particularly if residential accommodation was incorporated in the design at first floor level. The redevelopment of the site, in part or in total, would necessitate the reconfiguration of the access onto Horseley Heath in order to overcome highway safety concerns. However, the sites are in multiple ownerships and this would require cooperation and the formation of partnerships. 22.62 The site adjoins the town centre and is conveniently located for public transport and green space provision. Residential development of a high density nature and a sympathetic design would be appropriate and complementary in this location. Existing pedestrian links with the town along Haines Branch Walk should be enhanced, and a pedestrian link should be incorporated into any redesign of the retail/residential frontage into Market Place. Housing development would help to consolidate the residential area to the south and further improve the catchment area for the centre. The site would be suitable for the provision of smaller house types which would meet a proven need in Sandwell. 22.63 New housing development will generate a need for open space provision. Given that the site adjoins the Haines Branch Walkway, which is a green link between the town centre and Sheepwash Urban Park, it may be more appropriate that, rather than provide on site facilities, that a commuted sum is more appropriate for the improvement and provision of new facilities at Haines Branch Walkway.
Council Car Park Corner of Horseley Heath and Mill Street Site Area: - 0.1 hectares (0.25 acres) approximately
Allocation: 22.64 This is a relatively small site which is currently used as a car park and previously housed the outdoor market until its relocation off Great Bridge, adjacent to the indoor market entrance. The site does provide overspill car parking for the town and also off-street parking for residential properties in Mill Street. The loss of public car parking would be compensated for by the development of
Proposal Site 3, where more centralized parking provision could be made available. The development of the site for residential accommodation would consolidate the area and also complement the development of
Proposal Site GBPr4.The development of both
Proposal Site GBPr4 and
Proposal Site GBPr5 would allow for an improved access off Horseley Heath. The amenity of existing residential properties in Mill Street would be greatly improved by the redevelopment of the area, in terms of their immediate visual and physical environmental improvement and more suitable off-street car parking provision, which could be allocated as part of any redevelopment proposals. 22.65 New housing development may generate a need for open space provision. Given that the site is close to the Haines Branch Walkway, which is a green link between the town centre and Sheepwash Urban Park, it may be more appropriate that rather than provide on site facilities, that a commuted sum is more appropriate for the improvement and provision of new facilities at Haines Branch Walkway.
Former Muntz's Site - Site Area: 2.15 hectares (5.32 acres) approximately
Allocation: - Mixed Use Development in the form of Industrial and/or Leisure Uses, the type of which, due to the nature of business and scale of development cannot be conveniently located within the town centre.
22.66 This is a significant site which is mainly vacant that adjoins the eastern edge of the centre. The site is considered to have an edge of town centre location as it is physically separated from the centre by industrial land uses, the canal and Whitehall Road. The site is easily accessible from the road network and well served by public transport links, although pedestrian links with the town centre will need to be reinforced. For example, an opportunity exists to improve pedestrian links with the centre, by improving access along the canal towpath. The appropriate redevelopment of the site would benefit the community and town, particularly by encouraging uses which are activity generators. 22.67 A currently operational industrial use is located on a small part of the site and if new industrial development was to take place on the site it would consolidate existing industrial land uses in the area. 22.68 There are no large leisure activity generators within the immediate area of the town centre. In view of the size of the Muntz Site and its accessibility to the road network and public transport routes, leisure uses may be appropriate on the site. In particular, those types of use which cannot be accommodated, due to the nature and scale of their activity, within the town centre of Great Bridge. However, a combination of industrial and leisure uses on the site may be acceptable. 22.69 This would significantly increase the potential catchment area for the existing shops and services in the centre particularly if pedestrian links were reinforced by a redevelopment scheme. Potentially leisure uses would have extended hours of operation that would overlap and expand on normal opening hours and promote an evening economy for the centre. In either case appropriate redevelopment would: generate more income, thereby improving the economic base of the area; provide employment opportunities; and possibly improve the natural surveillance of the area. 22.70 However, the development of the site for residential purposes is considered to be inappropriate because of the predominant industrial uses which surround the site. It would also be preferable that any redevelopment of the site incorporated land currently occupied by older terraced housing situated on the opposite side of Great Bridge Street, which is identified as
Proposal Site GBPr8 in this inset. 22.71 Retail development on
Proposal Site GBPr6 is considered to be inappropriate due to the site's edge of town location and the availability of alternative sites which have been identified for retail use in the plan, and vacant retail floor space which exists in the centre.
Vacant Site, Corner of Sheepwash Lane/Whitehall Road Site Area: - 0.08 ha (0.2 acres) approximately
Allocation: - Mixed Use Development in the form of Residential, Business (B1) or Community Use
22.72 This former residential site was cleared by the Council as part of a compulsory purchase order. The site, due to its location to the town and its easy access to public transport routes, would be suitable for residential, business or community/social development. Any one of these land uses would complement the centre and benefit local residents. The design should address the street frontage and should incorporate only the minimum amount of car parking for disabled people, due to the proximity of town centre car parking. The site is affected by a road improvement line which may restrict the size, layout and design of future development.
Richmond Street South /Great Bridge Street. Site Area: Allocation: - Mixed -Use Development in the form of Food and Drink (A3), Office Use or leisure.
22.73 This is a small site which is currently occupied by older terraced housing in private ownership that is nearing the end of its useful life. The environmental quality of the immediate area is poor due to the predominant industrial uses located to the east and south of the site. The recent development of Asda and associated non-food retail units have made the isolation of the properties even more pronounced. 22.74 The redevelopment of this site for industrial development would consolidate land uses in the area. However, its inclusion as part of a comprehensive redevelopment scheme which incorporated
Proposal Site GBPr6 would enable a comprehensive approach towards the redevelopment of the area for industrial or leisure uses which because of the scale of operation could not conveniently locate within the town centre.
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