Coventry care home plans consultation due with residents
A criminologist has said she hopes to continue setting up a care home for young people with mental health issues in Coventry despite withdrawing plans.
Ann Blakeman, from Leamington Spa, wants to offer 24-hour care for up to five people at a former doctors surgery in Headington Avenue.
But she said she had now decided to consult people in the Keresley area who were angered by the initial proposals.
The plans were due before the city council's planning committee this week.
Ms Blakeman said she believed the property was "suitable" despite the concerns of nearby residents who organised a petition against the project.
'Listen to people'
She said: "In discussion last week with the planning officers and the local councillor, the strength of feeling locally was such that there was an awful lot of misinformation, fears and concerns which I do really need to sit down and listen to and address.
"I do think it's appropriate that I do take time and listen and hear what people have to say.
"It is very important that we work together with the community because part of the project is helping these young individuals integrate and work with the community and get back into society."
Joe Smith, who lives close to the former surgery, said: "It's not just the kind of people, it's the actual site. It's inadequate for this kind of operation.
"Around that area there are a lot of elderly residents and five or six schools in the close vicinity."