Plans to convert the listed Broadfield House Glass Museum in Kingswinford into apartments are being opposed because it would see the demolition of an all-glass pavilion which was once the largest in the world.
The former 18th century building closed in 2015 and developers are now asking Dudley Council for permission to build an extension and convert it and its associated barn into residential properties.
The plans for the building on Compton Drive have sparked protests from conservation groups which say the free standing glass pavilion, built in 1994, is included in its Grade II listed status.
The museum was originally built as a farmhouse with an adjacent threshing barn.
The Georgian Group and The Twentieth Century Society are both asking for the application to be rejected.
In a submission to the council, the Georgian Group said: “The proposed three storey extension will cause considerable harm to the Grade II listed building’s classical entrance façade.
"The proposed loss of the service (or farmhouse) staircase itself would also cause harm to the significance of the listed building (as would the loss of the innovative and sympathetic 1994 glass extension).”
But in a revised application to Dudley Council’s planning committee developers have said the conversion to residential units is not possible if the pavilion is retained.
Since changing the original plans for seven apartments to five, Heritage England has withdrawn its objection to the scheme.
Council planning officers are recommending approval saying the property has stood empty for several years and though the loss of the glass pavilion is ‘regrettable,’ despite being widely marketed there have only been offers for residential use.
In addition, they say that if the pavilion is retained the rooms directly behind would require mechanical ventilation and an acceptable layout would be more difficult to achieve.
If the plan is approved it will be referred to the Secretary of State for a final decision.
Councillors will discuss the plans at their meeting on April 9.
