The semi-detached property in the centre of Walsall will be used to house up to five people with mental health issues or learning difficulties.

Council planners gave permission to Ndabezinhle Ndlovu of Tipton-based Sanctuary Ltd for a change of use for the three-storey red-brick Victorian house in Persehouse Street, which had previously been used as a children’s home.

West Midlands Police said there were ‘concerns’ about the scheme, but did not lodge a formal objection.

Mr Ndlovu said no changes, external or internal, were planned for the property.