Sixty jobs on the way as mental health unit approved for Wolverhampton

The scheme by Marantomark Group will create up to 60 new jobs in Wolverhampton.

Members of the city council's planning committee approved plans for a medium secure unit to be built on a temporary car park opposite New Cross Hospital at a meeting this week.

Marantomark representative Ian Randles said: "We are here for the long haul and hopefully the site will be here long after I am gone.

"We are good neighbours and have a long history of being so.

"Our aim is to provide high quality care and jobs for the community.

Residents had previously voiced concerns that patients may pose a threat to personal safety.

Mr Randles said: "We don't want patients to stay with us forever, our work is geared towards getting people who need our help safely back in the community after their time with us."

The Marantomark site will provide hospital care to people with mental health disorders who require a more secure environment whilst being treated.

The site had previously been occupied by a listed barn, but this was demolished following a fire.

Since 2009, the site, which backs on to the Wyrley and Essington Canal and Bentley Bridge Leisure Park, has been used as a pay-and-display car park.

Councillor Harman Banger said: "The hospital unit could become a great asset to the community thanks to the jobs it will bring.

"The health care Marantomark will provide, as well as existing services at New Cross, means people in the area will have great access to a wide range of care."

As a result of the approval, Heath Town Park could be given a £36,967 revamp.

Marantomark agreed to a section 106 agreement with the city council, meaning they will contribute the cash as a gesture of good will.

Heath Town councillor Milkinder Jaspal, said: "All three Heath Town councillors welcome the funding which will go towards improving the park.

"It's very good news and I hope the concerns of residents have been allayed."

Planning officer Ragbir Sahota has also addressed concerns from residents about the loss of the car park on site, which is currently used by visitors to New Cross.

He said: "It is not owned or operated by the hospital and there is no requirement for it to be made available to hospital visitors."