'The murders and stabbings have not gone unnoticed' - Stourbridge care home approved, despite 123 objections, including two ward councillors

Inkfish Care has been told it can turn the four-bedroom detached house in Stourbridge into a care home for two children, despite the objections, including two from ward councillors.

Councillor Ian Kettle said people living in the 'sought after area' were afraid about the backgrounds of the children who might be moved into the house.

However, planning officer James Mason said the scheme for the house in Drew Road, Pedmore, did not represent a 'material change' of use for the building, with no external changes proposed.

A statement by planning consultant Mike Lloyd, speaking on behalf of Inkfish Care, said the care home would provide medium- to long-term care for young people who had been rescued from abusive situations.

"In accordance with Ofsted requirements, the care home will operate as closely as possible to a standard family household to mirror a typical family environment," said Mr Lloyd.

"During the week, the children will attend school and return in the evenings. On weekends, the children will relax and participate in activities organised and supervised by the carers."

But neighbour Danielle Lloyd feared the change of use would lead to an increase in anti-social behaviour, as well as putting increased pressure on local schools.

"Children within the care system often come from broken homes, and whilst I agree wholeheartedly that they deserve somewhere nice to live, ultimately, as we have seen in nearby areas comes a lot of anti-social behaviour and trouble," she wrote.

Leon Smith-McCalla wrote: "We have experienced issues previously with supported accommodation for young children with mental health. We feel there are better suited properties to support businesses like this."

Councillor Kettle said the number of objections indicated the level of feeling towards the plans. 

"This is the second time in recent months that an application of this nature has been tried on this estate, and any attempts to degrade the area should be resisted," he said.

"Drew Road is a good-quality residential road owned by sensible hard working people, many of them are now elderly and retired."

He said people in the neighbourhood feared it could be the first of many such developments.

"The people, especially the women, are scared of young people from who-knows-what background being brought into our area , the murders and stabbings have not gone unnoticed and people are very worried about any changes that could upset their life’s work and safety," he said.  

Councillor Jason Thorne said the development was 'completely out of character' for a quiet residential area.