Plans for Willenhall children’s home next to eight-bed HMO
Plans have been submitted to open a children’s home two doors from an approved House of Multiple Occupation (HMO).
If approved, up to four ‘vulnerable’ children could be living in the facility at 72 New Road, Willenhall.
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In June last year, Walsall Council’s planning committee approved an eight-bedroom HMO in the former Gravestock and Owen Accountants at 75 New Road.
The decision to approve the proposal was issued just 16 seconds after the application was first raised.
The proposed children’s home building, currently a three-storey family home, is located between two locally listed buildings and opposite the Grade II Listed Lock Museum.
Applicant Connor Butler said five full-time jobs will be created should the plans be approved.
The children will be aged between 11 and 18, and will be referrals from Walsall and surrounding local councils.
The on-site staff will ‘stand in the role of parents’ and be responsible for school transport, cooking, washing and ironing, and leisure activities.
The application said: “The development will meet a pressing need for additional children’s care facilities, as is highlighted by recent government reports.
“The proposal has been put together to integrate with the local community and will provide a safe, supportive environment for vulnerable children.”
