A BID to convert a former substation at a former top secret Second World War military complex into a holiday let has been approved.
The application for the substation at Drakelow Tunnels was submitted to Wyre Forest District Council in November and given the green light on Monday.
The plans, submitted by KFE Solcum Ltd, will see the substation turned in to a two-bedroom holiday let, and a new flat roof will be added to one section.
Landscaping will also be proposed as part of the plans, while the two current parking spaces will also be retained.
The external appearance of the building will be changed by cladding over the existing brickwork with black-stained vertical timber cladding.
New windows and doors will also be added.
In the planning document, the proposal was described as ‘a modest two-bedroom holiday let, which is unlikely to attract groups of people’.
It is anticipated that – due to its location – it would be used by walkers and nature lovers.
The use of the disused building is considered appropriate within the green belt and acceptable in principle due to the close proximity to the nearby local wildlife site for walkers and runners.
“The proposal will have a reduced impact on the highway network and be in accordance with the tourist accommodation policy.
“Whilst the overall design of the building will alter from that which is currently there, the use of modern materials and colours will be in contrast to the surrounding woodland area and complement the site by adding a modern touch to the area.”
Drakelow Tunnels are a former top secret underground military complex beneath Kingsford Country Park, just north of Kidderminster.
The three external substations at Drakelow were used to power the entire underground site.
The site operated as Second World War shadow factory, RAF storage depot, and later a Cold War Regional Government Headquarters.
