Plan for Dudley children's home approved
Plans to turn a house into a children's home have been approved, despite police reservations.
Dudley Council planners have given consent to plans by care provider Flipping The Script to convert The White House in Wrens Nest Road into a children's home for up to three youngsters.
Planning officer Samuel Everton said the four-bedroom detached house on the corner of Laurel Road was suitable for the change of use, despite West Midlands Police requesting more information about security arrangements.
The applicant said the property would be used to accommodate children aged eight-to-17 who have 'experienced challenges in their early lives', as well as up to four staff members at any one time.
It said the house provided spacious accommodation, including private bedrooms for each child, and shared living areas 'that foster a sense of community and belonging'.
"This set-up ensures adequate space for both personal development and communal activities," the company said.
"To ensure harmony within the neighbourhood, robust noise management measures will be implemented.
"House rules will establish quiet hours, typically from 10pm to 7am, and guidelines for appropriate behaviour will be strictly enforced. Soundproofing enhancements have been integrated into the property, including insulated walls and double-glazed windows, to minimise noise transmission both internally and externally.
"Staff will promptly address any noise-related issues, ensuring that the children’s home operates in a manner consistent with the expectations of a residential area."
Pc Bob Manson of West Midlands Police said the property was in a high-crime location.
He praised the applicant's management plan, but said he would like to have seen further details about how it planned to control access to the site, and its procedures for when children went missing.
Recommending approval, Mr Everton said: "It is considered that the proposed change of use would not have a significant adverse impact on the amenity for occupiers of the surrounding dwellings and would provide an acceptable standard of amenity to future occupiers of the proposed children’s home. "
A spokesman for the applicant said: "The proposed children’s home will bring significant benefits to the local community.
"By addressing the critical shortage of care facilities, the home will provide a safe and nurturing environment for vulnerable children, enabling them to thrive and become contributing members of society. This aligns with local authority objectives and supports broader social goals."
