NEWS

Coopers Bank Kennels Victory Gornal's historically important Cooper's Bank Farm has finally won its appeal and been given planning permission to convert outbuildings into kennels. The farm was the responsibility of Dudley Council until almost two years ago, and they maintained it to the same standard that they applied to the taxi building; they let it fall apart. For three years it stood empty and vandalised, until the Council sold it to Lynne and Peter Vanes on the understanding that the farmhouse would be restored, a shop would be opened, and a kennels established. Planning permission was required for the kennels project, and the Council's own officers recommended that it should be allowed to proceed. However, Councillors on the Development Control Committee voted unanimously against the plan following complaints about noise and smell from nearby nimby neighbours. Now the Planning Inspectorate in Bristol has heard the appeal and agreed with the original Council officers. Coopers Bank Farm stands on land designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument, as the remains of a mediaeval settlement are situated on its south slope. The history of the property is well documented; in 1851 it consisted of 120 acres and once included Milking Bank and Fiery Holes. The building itself was once thought to date from the Georgian period, but recent work by English Heritage confirms that parts of it can be traced to the late 17th Century.

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