Controversial Walsall care facility plan set for approval
A former saddlery building in Walsall is set to be converted into a facility for vulnerable people – despite strong local opposition to it.
Keystone Homes Ltd is looking to convert the former Black Country Saddlery building on Wednesbury Road into 11 flats along with two rooms for staff.
In a report to Walsall Council’s planning committee, which meets next Monday, officers are recommending the scheme is given the green light.
But the proposal has attracted opposition, with two petitions, one carrying 145 signatures and another carrying 73, being submitted against it.
A total of 141 objections were put in to planners during consultation and Palfrey ward councillor Sabina Ditta called in the application on the grounds that the proposal would have insufficient parking, lack of details around waste, lack of privacy in neighbouring properties and fear of crime.
Last year, fed-up residents set up a campaign group against it.
But the report to committee said there had been no objections from the police or other statutory bodies, including highways and housing standards bodies.
Officers said: “In weighing the key material considerations, consultee and neighbour responses against the national and local planning policies and guidance, it is considered that the proposal would be an acceptable use of this previously developed site within an existing residential area.
“There is no significant evidence that the proposal would increase crime and anti-social behaviour in the area or give rise to an unacceptable level of noise and disturbance.
“The proposal is considered would not result in a significant loss of amenity for adjoining neighbours. The application has sufficient off-street parking to meet policy requirements.”
The facility will be run by Aspire Living, which said staff would be on site round the clock to provide assistance, adding the facility would provide much needed benefits to those who are struggling.
It added that residents who fail to meet its standards are refused and it also said it has a ‘strict policy against housing ex-offenders or those with drug/alcohol addictions’.
The campaign group against the proposal consists of residents, local business owners, a mosque and two churches and is supported by ward councillors.
Member Karl Moseley said: “Enough is enough. We already have the Glebe Centre, YMCA hostels, a Big Help hostel, a traveller transit site, drug rehabilitation centre, a probation centre and a domestic violence refuge all within a one mile stretch of one another.
“For an area that has battled against organised criminal activity, drug use and historic issues with prostitution, to seriously expect vulnerable people to be rehabilitated here is completely bonkers.”
Another resident said: “There is “social dumping” taking place and that facilities that would not get approval in more affluent parts of the borough appear to be continually enforced on poorer ward areas such as Palfrey.”
