Two petitions aimed at preventing planning permission to convert the former Black Country Saddlery building on Wednesbury Road haven’t prevented the renovation from getting the green light.
Following a proposal by Keystone Homes Ltd to turn the property into an assisted living facility for vulnerable people, 220 signatures were gathered by campaigners who were concerned about crime, privacy for nearby residents and other issues if planning was to go ahead.
“Enough is enough. We already have the Glebe Centre, YMCA hostels, a Big Help hostel, a traveller transit site, drug rehabilitation centre, a probation centre and a domestic violence refuge all within a one mile stretch of one another”, said local campaigner Karl Moseley.
The new facility, which will consist of 11 one-bedroom flats, including two rooms for staff, will be run by the charity Aspire Living.
“The facility will cater for people whom require help excluding high risk individuals,” reads the initial application. “None of the tenants are on drug abuse or any other addiction.”