Plans to convert former lodge on Wolverhampton hospital site to house Ukrainian refugees
A Ukrainian family could be housed at a building on the site of Wolverhampton's former Royal Hospital site under plans submitted to council chiefs.
The former porter's lodge at the historic hospital, in Cleveland Road, could be turned into a home for refugees, if plans by Cannock-based Jessup Brothers are approved.
Plans for the porter's lodge, submitted by BPN Architects, said: "Following the recent war in Ukraine and the subsequent request by the Government for people to provide asylum to Ukrainian refugees, the developer Jessup appointed BPN Architects to develop proposals for converting the former lodge building to residential use.
"This would be a temporary use for two years."
Meanwhile other plans to convert the main Royal Hospital building into 38 flats were signed off last year, with the main building being turned into one and two-bedroom apartments.
Since closing in June 1997, the former hospital site has been the subject of a number of planned developments – including a proposal by Tesco to turn it into a supermarket in 2001 – none of which has come to fruition. The site was sold to the Homes and Communities Agency for residential development in March 2016.
The Cleveland Road conservation area was officially established in June 1996. The area was developed in the late 19th and early 20th century, with the Royal Hospital being built between 1845-49.
A resolution to approve planning permission has already been granted by the council, suggesting redevelopment of the site will take place in the near future.
Planning bosses are yet to make a final decision on the application.
