Nursing home expansion and revamp granted green light

A redundant building at the front of Richmond Hall in Aldridge will be demolished and replaced with an extra 16 en-suite bedrooms for the elderly and mentally infirm.

It will see the rooms for residents at the site in Stonnall Road increase to 78 and improve facilities on offer at the nursing home.

The existing building formerly provided ancillary care accommodation but will be pulled down and replaced with a new canopy linked to the proposed extension.

The new area will include bedrooms, lounge and social areas, assisted bathrooms, toilets, medical and storage rooms. A basement area will provide for new laundry rooms.

In a report to the Walsall Council, head of planning David Elsworthy, said: "The present buildings and extensions to be demolished are largely unused and are in a poor state of repair.

"Their replacement with a more sympathetic extension is considered to enhance the character and appearance of the building.

"Although some trees are to be removed to accommodate the extensions these are not

protected trees and replacement planting in more appropriate locations throughout the site is recommended.

"The extensions are not significantly visible from the street due to the presence of existing trees and shrubs that screen the site.

On that basis the the proposals are considered not to have any adverse impact on the openness or character of the green belt."

It comes after a £5 million apartment complex for older people as part of a multi-million pound waterfront development in Walsall town centre was approved.

The 44 homes for the over 55s will overlook the canal in Walsall's Waterfront.

It is the latest development at the site after plans were announced for a £12 million cinema and restaurants.

Walsall Housing Group says the new 'wellbeing' complex will provide much-needed facilities for older residents in the borough.