Councillors in Burntwood are set to give their views on proposals to convert a former nursing home into 11 flats.
The future of the Southwinds site on Chase Road will be debated by Burntwood Town Council’s planning committee this evening (11th September) after an application was made to Lichfield District Council for a change of use.
However, objections have been raised by some residents, with one raising concerns over the suitability of the site for 11 new flats.
“The property is situated on a bend of a very busy, fast road and would cause many problems to have a property of this size with potentially so many vehicles from residents and visitors,” he said.
“Planning shows availability for parking of 12 cars, however with 11 bedsits what about visitors – where will they park? The road outside the property has double yellow lines so no on road parking.
“The road is also narrow and buses and heavy goods vehicles already have to mount the pavement to avoid collision.
“We also have concerns as no information has been given about the type of residents that this type of property will attract.
“There is also a large plot of affordable housing at Manor Vinegar site. Why do we need another cluster of social housing so close to one which has already been approved.
“I do not believe that our local infrastructure will cope with another development of this nature in such close proximity.”
“The wrong community culture”
Another concerned resident said there were fears of other issues.
“A house of multiple occupancy, from experience, has its own socio-cultural problems,” they said in a formal objection letter.
“The area is already seeing an increase in anti social behaviour and drug use particularly in the local vicinity of this property.
“Cuts to local public services and the police have not helped and this will not improve in the future.
“This proposal is likely to invite the wrong community culture and add to the existing local problems.”
The meeting of Burntwood Town Council’s planning committee will take place at the Old Mining College at 6pm.