Plans to transform a distinctive £1 million landmark property in Wednesbury into a new children's home have been given the green light by local councillors.
Hilltop home gets final approval
The four-bedroom Round House on Reservoir Passage, notable for its accompanying tennis court, swimming pool, and private windmill, will be converted into a residential care home for a maximum of four children. Sandwell Council's planning committee reached the decision at a meeting on Wednesday, January 7, 2026.
This final vote followed a site visit by councillors, which was arranged after the committee initially deferred the application in November 2025. The deferral allowed members to personally assess concerns regarding the accessibility of the hilltop location.
Previous school plans scrapped
The approval marks a new chapter for the site after earlier proposals were withdrawn. A previous plan to convert the property into a school for 30 children with social, emotional, mental health needs, and learning difficulties was scrapped earlier in the year.
Sandwell Council had rejected that scheme, citing that surrounding roads were unsuitable for the increased traffic and that insufficient parking had been proposed.
Addressing local concerns
During the November meeting, local councillor Luke Giles, who represents Wednesbury North, raised objections. He highlighted existing congestion problems on the narrow roads, particularly during drop-off times at the nearby Wonder Years nursery.
Cllr Giles also noted that refuse collections were sometimes missed as bin lorries struggled to navigate the tight road during busy periods. Despite these concerns, the council's own highways department raised no formal objection to the children's home plans, and planning officers had recommended approval.
The striking property, a stone's throw from Wednesbury town centre, has an unusual history. Construction began in the 1980s using salvaged and recycled materials from old houses, schools, factories, and churches across the West Midlands. Bricks, steel joints, iron pillars, and heavy stone were lifted into place by crane.
The site was sold last year by owner Matthew Humphries following the death of his parents, David and Elizabeth. The family had run a demolition business for four generations, beginning in 1919.
