Flats plan for arson-hit old care home in Walsall
An arson-hit former care home site is set to be transformed into an apartment block.
Habinteg Housing Association has put forward proposals to create a three-storey, 18-flat block on the site of the former Mali Jenkins House in The Crescent in Walsall.
The building has been empty since 2017 but suffered from anti-social behaviour issues, including an arson attack which caused damage to the building’s roof.
It is currently fenced off and awaiting demolition, for which permission was granted by Walsall Council earlier this year.
The developers said the aim will be to create accessible apartments for vulnerable residents.
Agents Acanthus W S M Architects said: “The site is currently occupied by a now vacant former residential care home.
“The building was last in used in 2017 and has remained empty since. A prior approval application for the demolition of the existing building has recently been approved, works are due to commence imminently.
“Since the building has been vacated it has been a target of anti-social behaviour and was subject to arson in 2019 resulting in significant roof damage.
“The proposal is to build 18 accessible, one and two bedroom apartments over three floors, all to National Described Space Standards.
“The ground floor will consist of six wheelchair accessible apartments whilst the 12 upper floor apartments will be designed to meet accessible and adaptable dwellings.
“It is intended that the development will be home to vulnerable people and adopt higher than current building regulation standards.”
They added: “The proposed site is located within the A4148 ring road approximately one mile from Walsall Town Centre and is served by bus routes 74, 77 & 935 Platinum.
“The nearest bus stop approximately 50 metres away to the west, making it a sustainable development for local travel and links to the nearby railway network.
“The site also has good transport links being just two miles away from both junction 7 & 9 of the M6. Walsall Arboretum is located approximately 220m to the northwest.”
Walsall Council planners are currently considering the proposals and are anticipated to make a final decision in November.
