Plans submitted for notorious care home site

The site in Coventry have been been empty for 15 years, but now sketches have been issued of how it could be developed

Land that once housed a notorious Coventry care home could become a site for new homes.

The former Wisteria Lodge, in Earlsdon, has been empty since the building was knocked down 15 years ago.

Last week, Coventry City Council sent in two outline applications for plans to develop the land, which could be called "Fountain Court".

The site had a troubled past - two social workers that worked at the former children's care home on the site were jailed in 2019.

One of the outline applications proposes construction of family homes, while the other is for a scheme that could house 24 people aged over 55.

Eight large detached family homes, with garages, private gardens and shared amenity space, would be built under the first plan.

The former site of Wisteria Lodge has been empty since the building was knocked down 15 years ago

The application noted that the site was located within walking distance of key local services, while public transport was easily accessible nearby.

"Coventry City Council has an urgent need for housing, and therefore it is essential that suitable schemes are permitted without delay," it said.

"This application provides the opportunity to make effective use of a brownfield site in a highly sustainable location."

The second proposal features a residential care home or independent/assisted living flats for up to 24 people over the age of 55.

It would also include resident and staff facilities, private and shared amenity space, and parking.

Landscaping proposals included a public green space, communal garden and a wildflower meadow.

The application said that there was likely to be an increased need for specialist housing options for the elderly.

This, it said, was because data in the authority's Housing and Economic Development Needs Assessment showed an ageing population and higher levels of disability and health problems.

It also noted that the development would make use of brownfield land.