Plans for children's home in heart of Wolverhampton's Ukrainian community
A 'nondescript' end-terrace house close to Wolverhampton city centre could be converted into a children's home, if planning permission is granted.
Martin Furber of Double 8 Care has applied to Wolverhampton Council for permission to convert the house in the heart of Wolverhampton's Ukrainian community into a care home for a maximum of two children or young people aged eight to 25.
A statement issued on behalf of the company said such applications 'can lead to many misconceived concerns, both from residents and, in some cases local planning authorities', and the company hoped to address these concerns and reassure people.
The applicant described the house in Merridale Street West, opposite the Ukrainian Community Centre and next to the Ukrainian Church, as 'a nondescript two-storey end-terrace dwelling, with additional space provided in the loft, comprising three bedrooms, a living room, kitchen/dining room, bathroom, and WC'.
"It is not considered to be subject to any special designations or heritage protections," it said.
The applicant's statement said there was a considerable shortage of small children's homes in Wolverhampton, meaning that many youngsters were being sent outside the area, which had a significant impact on their welfare.
"Whilst such proposals can often raise concern within the local community at first, this is typically borne out of misunderstanding and misplaced risk perception," the planning statement said.
"It is important to remember that future residents are amongst the most vulnerable of our children and young people, in dire need of a stable home, and should be supported by all concerned to allow them to develop and thrive within a safe community and home environment.
"These homes are desperately required, particularly in districts such as Wolverhampton where a pattern has existed over the past five years of two in every five of looked-after children under the care of Wolverhampton’s children commissioning team being placed outside of the district, many of whom end up more than 20 miles from their previous homes."
The proposals will now be considered by the council's planning department.
