Resident’s fury over proposed Walsall children’s home as static caravan blights cul-de-sac
Residents in a Willenhall cul-de-sac have spoken out against a proposal for four terraced children’s homes on a small green space in Short Heath.
If approved the homes, off Sherlock Close, will be used for looked-after children who may have experienced ‘difficult circumstances’.
The news comes a couple of months after vegetation was cleared from the green space and a static home was parked on it instead.
The rear boundary of the former Eat Fresh cafe on High Road was removed to accommodate the static home.
Walsall Council said, as a result of action taken by the authority, the home has since been moved onto private land.
One home-owner said the clearance of vegetation has decimated the habitat which was home to foxes, hedgehogs and badgers.
But Walsall Council said the works have not had an impact on the local wildlife.
The resident, who wished not to be named, could not believe it when she heard the council’s plans to build four terraced homes earlier this month.
She said: “One of my neighbours received the letter but we haven’t and neither did another neighbour. How can the council mess up sending out 16 letters?
“There’ll be an increase in traffic flow, problems with the parking on the corner, it’s dangerous. Why choose there? Why not choose one of the many derelict properties and premises in Willenhall?
“It looks like it’s a done deal. If they don’t build on there they’ll sell the land to a developer.”
Speaking on the static caravan, she said: “They pulled down the trees around the end of October which has affected wildlife.
“Gates have been put up which is a complete eyesore. It’s brought the neighbourhood down.
“We got in touch with the council but nobody wanted to know. Nobody has done anything about it. I’ve had no responses to my emails.
“It looks like a scrap yard. We’ve got nice houses here, we don’t want trouble in our street.”
A spokesperson for Walsall Council said: “A small area of grass at the rear of the Eat Fresh cafe on High Road has been cleared and it is not believed that this has had an impact on wildlife as the resident suggests.
“The caravan was moved from the green space, which is council-owned, as a result of action taken by the council. It has now been moved onto private land.
“Children’s homes provide essential care and a safe, stable, and supportive living environment for children and young people who cannot live with their families.
“Local residents were invited to attend an engagement event on Monday 8 December 2025, to find out more about plans for a residential children’s home proposed in the Willenhall area.
“The event was well attended and more opportunities for the community to engage and provide feedback will take place early next year. Children’s Services are committed to working with local residents to explain the proposal in detail and answer any questions and concerns.
“Walsall Council is focused on ensuring that children in our care can live locally within our local communities and we have a proven track record in setting up good quality homes in consultation with local residents.”
