Gurdwara makes bid to create new community centre in Oldbury

The Gurdwara Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji has lodged plans with Sandwell Council for the centre on an existing car park on Dudley Road West, Tividale.

There are currently 89 car parking spaces on the site, some of which will be built on if the plans are accepted.

And further parking facilities are proposed on a nearby site on Dudley Road West which is also owned by the applicant, who plans to demolish the existing building to create a further 12 parking spaces.

In the planning application it says: "The proposals make better use of the existing site replacing a small section of the car park into a much needed community centre that will assistance the wider community.

"A bold building with a greater visual impact and better design quality at this location would complement the densely industrial area.

"There are a number of local and private facilities in the area such as shops, schools, residential homes all within walking distance and could potentially benefit from the proposed community centre.

"The proposal would therefore be welcome addition that could promote an educational and social facilities to the area."

The report describes how the new building will be built with brickwork masonry facades, and a tiled roof if the plans are accepted. The aim is to provide a 'durable and low maintenance community building', it adds.

The report concludes: "These type of facilities are essential to communities, as they contribute so much to the social, economic and civic interest of the area.

"This statement has demonstrated that the proposal meets with all the relevant national and local objectives of maintaining an efficient social, economic and living environment.

"On the whole, the application is considered to be acceptable for the reasons outlined above and we hope to receive full support for the scheme."

A decision will be taken on the plans in the coming weeks.