Care home plan refused after objections

City planners had received an application to turn a detached two-storey property in Tinacre Hill, Wightwick, into a residential home for up to seven people with learning and/or physical disabilities.

However, after written objections from a local councillor, resident and West Midlands Police, the move has been turned down.

In a letter to planners, Councillor Jonathan Crofts, said: “I write as a local councillor to join with over 100 residents in voicing strong objection to this planning application.

“The objections are as follows: loss of a large family home in a quiet residential area characterised by single family dwellings; an adverse effect on the character of the area; and concern for issues of safety and safeguarding as the residential care home would be immediately opposite a school with Special Educational Needs (SEN) students.

“Also, the lack of pavements and lighting in the area raises safety concerns for individuals on the highway, and access to distant shops, open spaces and bus routes would mean either travelling along an unsafe highway or the use of additional transport, for example a car, taxi or minibus.

“Increased movement to or from the care home, such as shift patterns, visitors and emergency vehicles would cause noise, disturbances and have a negative impact on the amenity of nearby residences. This is compounded by the fact that there is a shared driveway.

“There is also concern over the required amount of parking, communal and outdoor space,” he added.

In a further letter to the council, resident Robin Winwood, who lives near the property, said: “Tinacre Hill is a busy road without a footpath. It has no street lighting which makes it even more dangerous for vulnerable people.

“There is no bus stop for the residents other than the one on the Bridgnorth Road, which is even busier and notorious for fatalities.

“I believe there is inadequate parking, particularly if each resident were to have a visitor, and accounting for staff too. I also believe it would strongly impact on the school opposite.”

In further correspondence sent to planners, a spokesperson for West Midlands Police added: “The design of the building and layout I have no problems with, but it’s the location which is causing me grave concerns.

“If this was in a different location I would have no issues supporting this application, but due to the location I cannot support it.

“Having two vulnerable sites opposite each other – one catering for children with learning disabilities and the other for vulnerable adults – causes me concern.”

City council planners decided to refuse the application.