Care home conversion approved and trees get the chop

A former care home in Dudley is set to be converted into self-contained flats for adults with mental health issues.

The site, on Wellington Road, is currently vacant but previously provided accommodation in 33 bedrooms in a two-story detached building.

Dudley Council planners have given the go-ahead for a change of use to convert the building into 15-self contained units, communal rooms and offices to provide a supported living facility.

A statement from Anjum Designs Ltd in support of the application said: “The bulk of the proposed is an internal reconfiguration, with no external changes to the exterior of the building. 

“The property sits well within the plot and provides good separation to neighbouring properties.”

The proposal says there will be 20 residents supported by a minimum of eight staff on duty during the day and at least one member of staff on duty at night.

The building will be registered with the Care Quality Commission and let to a care provider who will sub-let each unit.

A total of 13 trees are in for the chop at Stourbridge Health and Social Care Centre in Amblecote after they were found to be in a risky condition.

Experts carried out a survey of trees on the site and found several were damaged or diseased with Ash Dieback.

A report from council officers said: “Having regard to the condition of the trees and their location adjacent to areas of regular public access, the proposed works are considered necessary in the interest of safety.

“The identified defects give rise to a foreseeable risk of failure and the works represent a reasonable and proportionate response.”

A condition of permission to remove the trees is that replacements are planted within a year of felling.

Dudley planners have also approved an application to convert ground floor office space in a Halesowen building into three new flats.

The development, at Link House, Rumbow, is the latest stage of conversion of the building into residential accommodation.

The work will include an extension to the building to provide storage for 56 bicycles.