Solihull planners have approved a children's care home in Elmdon despite a councillor's passionate plea to delay the decision. The application for a three-bedroom family house at Windsor Drive was one of five similar applications considered at the latest planning committee meeting, all of which were given the go-ahead.
Application Details
Applicant Kamran Ali Rasool proposed converting the property into a home for two children in care, aged between five and 17. The home would have two staff members working on a rota, plus a registered manager. During public consultation, six objections were submitted by neighbours, raising concerns about the impact on the area's character, highway safety, and the loss of a family home.
Neighbour's Concerns
In the public speaking section, neighbour Kevin Grey expressed unease: "From what I've gleaned this evening you are probably going to respond and say it is not a planning consideration. But who, if it is not here, does consider the mental and security of people? My garden backs directly (onto the Windsor Drive property). My garden is a direct escape route. I would not be very comfortable as a pensioner."
Councillor's Plea
Councillor Laura McCarthy, Liberal Democrat for Elmdon, said: "I agree every child deserves a loving home where they feel safe and looked after. However no provider has been identified for this home to guarantee these children will be safe." She referenced a recent motion she brought to full council regarding "speculative conversions" of properties for children's care homes without registered provider status, which is set for further scrutiny. "I would ask the committee adjourn until more information is known about the provider and any follow up decisions leading on from my motion," she said. "If this is not possible I would like the committee to refuse."
Legal Advice and Decision
Earlier in the meeting, councillors heard officers' legal advice that the lack of a provider was not a material planning consideration. Committee chairman Councillor Bob Grinsell addressed Mr Grey's point, saying it was also not a planning matter. "I can assure you this council takes very seriously how our children are looking after," he said. "Should it be approved if you had any issues you can go directly either to your ward councillor or our children's services, if that gives you any kind of reassurance."
The chairman noted poor parking in Windsor Drive, and Councillor James Bradley suggested a condition requiring a parking layout for at least two cars at the front of the property. This condition was agreed and added. When the vote was taken, seven councillors voted in favour of approving the application, subject to conditions, with one against.
