Backlash over "halfway hostel" in Chelmsley Wood

A BITTER row has erupted over plans to build a new supported housing development in Chelmsley Wood.
Over 500 residents have signed a petition against the Ipswich Walk scheme, accusing Solihull Community Housing (SCH) of keeping them in the dark over proposals.
Rumours about the project, which has been branded a “halfway hostel” by some locals, have been escalating for several weeks.
Frustrations grew after a meeting being organised between residents and SCH officials recently fell through.
Councillor Karl Macnaughton (Green, Chelmsley Wood) said residents had been worried that plans were being “railroaded” through, but welcomed news that a public consultation would be carried out before any planning application was submitted.

“Many residents have been worried about [the plans] feeling rushed, which has made them wonder why that might be, as if there are things to hide.
“It’s good to hear that Solihull Community Housing will now be holding a consultation event in May or June where there will be proper dialogue between residents and the Housing [SCH].
“Everybody will now have the opportunity to ask the questions they need to ask and I very much hope that we will end up with a development that everyone is happy with.”
The campaign against the scheme started a few weeks ago, with around half the people signing an online petition and the remainder of signatures collected on the doorstep.
Many residents have raised concerns about an increase in anti social behaviour and parking problems. Although SCH has categorically denied several claims made in a leaflet which was posted to local households by a resident.
In their own pamphlet about the development, the association said that the site would cater for up to 25 people in need of temporary accommodation.
“It is not a drug rehabilitation centre and will not house people leaving prison or persons who have an offending background linked to sexual offences.
“All residents will sign an agreement which will include not causing anti social behaviour. Immediate action will be taken if people living at the centre break their agreement.”
The controversy over the Ipswich Walk scheme follows similar rumours last summer about an application to build a “bail hostel” in Elmdon Road, Marston Green. On that occasion too, the authorities were forced to intervene to deny accommodation was being purpose-built for offenders.

• From this month's edition of Other Side of Solihull. Available to download and view online