Wolverhampton refuge for women and children fleeing violence set to be expanded

The hostel is looking to add six two bedroom and two one bedroom units, to its current facility in the city.

And members of Wolverhampton Council planning committee are being recommended to back the proposal at a meeting to be held on May 25.

The plan has attracted several objections from neighbours who are worried about issues including loss of privacy, pressure on parking, increased bins on the street and the size of the proposed development.

But planners believe the development will not have an adverse impact on neighbours, adding it would provide much needed support for vulnerable families.

A report to the committee said: “The charity supports women and children vulnerable to abuse and homelessness across Wolverhampton and was set up in 2005.

“The proposed development will help to address a shortfall in this type of supported accommodation across the city.

“The new apartment building will take similar families providing much needed accommodation in a safe location.

“Since the existing facility opened in 2005, the applicant states there has been no disruption to the neighbours in this location and the local community remains highly supportive of the refuge and the families and women it supports.

“In the case of this development, the charity has consulted the neighbours surrounding the site before submitting the application.

“The new annexe associated will provide an important community service. The building has been carefully designed to relate to its setting.

“The massing and position of the proposals would be appropriate and there would be no significant adverse impact on neighbour amenity or privacy that would justify a reason for refusal.

“There will be no increase in staff numbers and the clients do not have vehicles. There will be no adverse impacts on highway safety.”