Plans for controversial homeless jobless hostel in Walsall look set to be approved

An application has been submitted for the change of use of the former Orchard Manor care home at 42 Slaney Road, and planning officers have recommended it is approved by Walsall Council at its meeting next week.

If approved, the hostel would run as a Supported Housing of Multiple Occupation Scheme and would be operated by Midshire Supported Housing Trust.

It would be used by people who experience 'persistent homelessness issues', 'low to medium level mental health issues', 'low to medium level learning issues', and people with substance misuse problems, according to a report in the application.

Tenants are expected to live at the hostel for between three and six months at a time.

But petitions with a total of 85 signatures, 31 letters of objection, and an objection from MP Valerie Vaz were handed to the council.

Housing Standards also raised concerns that the hostel would bring a large number of ex-offenders to the area.

A report going to the committee which details the concerns, says: "We understand the property is intended to be used to house ex-offenders, concerns to the number of rooms / ex-offenders being placed in the area.

Jobs

"Additionally there is the domestic violence unit for vulnerable women housing 15 people close to Slaney Road and there is already the Happy Times Hostel (this is a 40-plus bed accommodation) in operation in the Walsall town centre area for which the primary function is housing ex-offenders."

The existing building has 31 bedrooms, three offices, 11 bathrooms, two laundry rooms, a medical room, two lounges and a cleaner's store.

Under the plans, the hostel would have 44 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, an office, laundry, kitchen, and a dining/lounge area.

The hostel would create eight jobs. Five new car parking spaces would be created for the employees.

The site would have 24-hour security and CCTV.

A previous application for a hostel was rejected in 2014.

The case officer says in a report: "The previous planning application for a 40 bedroom HMO was refused on the grounds that it would have a continued perception and result in a loss of amenity to residents by virtue of the perception and fear of crime and anti-social behaviour and concerns from police and Housing Standards with regard to the management of the premises.

"The current application has been supported by a statement which explains the strict vetting process for potential occupiers, including how the site would be managed by 24-hour specialists and that a code of conduct would be used. The police have not objected to the current proposal."

Walsall Council's planning committee will discuss the application at its meeting on Thursday.