Revised Application Seeks Permission for Children's Homes on West Bromwich Green Space
A fresh planning application has been submitted seeking approval to construct four residential properties on a field situated off Holloway Bank in West Bromwich. These homes are specifically intended to serve as residential care facilities for up to eight vulnerable children, providing what the developer describes as a safe, supervised, and family-like environment.
History of the Controversial Site
This development proposal follows a previous approval granted by Sandwell Council's planning committee in 2024. At that time, permission was given to build four three-bedroom houses on the same patch of land, despite receiving ten formal objections from neighbouring residents of Francis Ward Close.
Local residents expressed significant concerns during the 2024 consultation process. They argued that the development would result in the permanent loss of a valuable green space that was regularly utilised by dog walkers and local children for recreational activities. Additional worries were raised regarding potential loss of privacy for existing homeowners and concerns that the new buildings would block natural sunlight to surrounding properties.
Council's Previous Rationale for Approval
Sandwell Council had recommended approval of the initial application ahead of the February 2024 planning meeting. Council officials acknowledged that while residents enjoyed using the green space, the land in question was privately owned. This legal status meant there was limited scope for the council to protect the area from development under existing planning regulations.
The council's highways department also assessed the proposed new access road from Holloway Bank. Despite local warnings that this route was already considered an accident blackspot with heavy goods vehicles regularly using the road, the department concluded that the risk of the development causing additional accidents was low.
Community Concerns and Road Safety Fears
Tina Jennings, speaking on behalf of her mother at the 2024 planning meeting, voiced strong objections regarding the proposed new entrance from Holloway Bank. That road is a really busy road with HGVs thundering up and down it all day, she stated. There have been numerous incidents, including fatalities and there was one a few months ago where somebody hit the wall.
Jennings further explained the practical difficulties: It's difficult to turn out of that road onto the main road as it is, so with another access road it's going to be impossible. She strongly contested the characterisation of the green space in the application, asserting: I think it was described in the application as unloved, unused and in a bad state. It's not unloved, it's not unused and it's not in a bad state... it's a nice green space for the community.
Developer's Perspective and Land Ownership
Paul Rees from architects Harper Sperring, acting as agent for the previously approved application, addressed the 2024 meeting regarding the land's status. The land is privately owned and whilst we acknowledge it has been used by the residents in the area, the previous owners before the application never fenced the area off, he explained. It has been used without permission, for want of a better description, from the landowners.
The new application, submitted by Surinder Buray on behalf of developer Beaver Homes, reiterates the intention to create residential care facilities for vulnerable children. The proposal continues to generate significant debate within the local community, balancing the need for specialised children's accommodation against the preservation of valued green spaces and addressing legitimate road safety concerns.
