Former Smethwick children's home to be transformed under plans

The extension of the currently unused and vandalised home off Chance Drive in Smethwick, is expected to create around 30 full time jobs.

The building has been empty since being placed on the open market by Sandwell Council in 2013.

Now Dignus Healthcare has purchased the premises and proposes to extend it from an eight-bedroom home for children into a 20-bedroom home for disabled adults.

The developers highlight that while standing vacant the interior has been vandalised, but that they now intend to create a 'homely and comfortable environment'.

Proposals for the conversion and extension have now been submitted to Sandwell Council planning chiefs.

The existing, single storey building, already has a residents' garden and a controlled security barrier, with boundaries facing Chance Drive, Spon Lane and Narel Sharpe Close.

The application states: "The proposed development involves the retention of the existing building as its core, with six bedrooms, a single storey extension of four bedrooms fronting Spon Lane and a two storey wing facing Narel Sharpe Close to create a total of 20 bedrooms.

"All the bedrooms will be a substantial size, with large en-suite bathrooms to provide flexibility to accommodate residents with a range of physical disabilities and to enable all residents to have their own private sitting space in addition to the communal areas, as it is quite probable some residents will require very long term care and rehabilitation."

The design and access statement continues: "Although not directly a planning matter, the interior of the existing building, now sadly vandalised, presented a severe and unwelcoming institutional environment, whereas Dignus Healthcare will aim to create a homely and comfortable environment throughout".

In terms of creating employment, the application states: "Dignus are a local care provider and will aim to recruit staff locally as far as possible to create nearby employment opportunity and to reduce travel impact and commuting costs."

Dignus Healthcare, based in Great Barr, specialise in providing 'person-centred' support services for those with learning disabilities and additional complex needs.