A Week of Controversy and Innovation in Sandwell
Sandwell Council has navigated a series of contentious and groundbreaking decisions this week, with outcomes affecting residents across the borough. From late-night licensing battles in Bearwood to a pioneering medical development in Wednesbury, the local authority's committees have been at the centre of significant public debate.
Licensing Battles and Community Concerns
In a move that has sparked considerable debate, Sandwell Council approved an application for the Admiral Casino on Bearwood Road to operate 24 hours a day. This decision was made despite facing strong opposition from both West Midlands Police and the council's own public health team.
Authorities raised alarms that the round-the-clock operation could lead to a noticeable increase in vehicle crime and anti-social behaviour in an area already grappling with high crime rates. Public health officials specifically warned of the 'significant harm' posed by the high concentration of late-night venues and gambling establishments in the locality.
In a separate but related decision on Bearwood Road, the council's licensing committee granted permission for the new Continental Market shop to sell alcohol. This approval was given even though local residents voiced strong objections, arguing that the high street has reached a saturation point with late-night premises. Neighbours reported existing issues with loitering, anti-social behaviour, and discarded drug paraphernalia, which they believe the new off-licence will exacerbate.
Planning Committee Rejects 'Battery Farm' HMO
In a decisive move, Sandwell Council's planning committee rejected a heavily criticised plan to create an 11-bed House of Multiple Occupation (HMO) above Viney’s Opticians on Smethwick High Street. Councillors took the unusual step of overturning a recommendation for approval from their own planning officers.
One councillor powerfully stated they would not place 'battery hens' in the proposed property, condemning the living conditions it would create. The committee warned that the continual influx of such HMOs is actively turning vital high streets into slums, citing massive associated problems with fly-tipping and rodent infestations.
Green Light for UK-First Medical Technology
In a positive development for local healthcare, the council approved major plans for a two-storey extension to the Village Medical Centre in Wednesbury's Friar Park. This new facility will be home to a state-of-the-art 'robotic' dispensary, described as one of the first of its kind in the entire UK.
This advanced technology is designed to drastically improve the efficiency of sorting and distributing prescriptions. The upgrade is considered essential to cope with a significant anticipated increase in patient numbers, driven by hundreds of new homes planned for the surrounding area.
Late-Night Licence Bid Faces Opposition
Meanwhile, an application by Liam's Lounge, an Italian restaurant and shisha lounge in Oldbury, to extend its operating hours until 2:30 am every day has run into formal objections. Both West Midlands Police and Sandwell Council's environmental health department have expressed serious concerns.
The police cited 'obvious concern' that granting late-night hours, more typical of a nightclub than a restaurant, would inevitably increase noise disturbance and fuel anti-social behaviour for people living in the predominantly residential neighbourhood.
