An agricultural building at a Meriden farm is set to become a children's nursery after receiving approval from Solihull planners. Permission has been granted for the nursery at Berryfields Farm despite strong objections from Meriden Parish Council.
Application Details
Applicant Chris Barber Limited originally submitted a prior notification application in April for the part conversion and change of use of an existing agricultural building at the Berkswell Road-based farm. The building, measuring 41 metres in length and 27 metres in width, is described as an independent structure within an overall farm complex of similar buildings. It has previously been used for agricultural storage, including plant and machinery, farm maintenance materials, and straw.
A structural survey found the building to be suitable and sufficiently robust for conversion. The applicant proposed that the building would become a day nursery for 96 children.
Parish Council Objections
During the consultation period last month, Meriden Parish Council submitted an objection, expressing concerns about increased traffic along Berkswell Road and increased noise from additional traffic and construction. They also highlighted the lack of a pavement on Berkswell Road, which would pose a danger for adults and children walking to the nursery, and questioned whether it would be possible to walk to the site, leading to a dependence on vehicles. Poor visibility for the entrance and exit to the site from Berkswell Road was also raised.
Highway Assessment
However, a highway technical note from Roberts Highway Consultants stated that the existing access is suitable to serve the proposed development and that the proposals do not conflict with planning policies. On this basis, Solihull Council should be able to offer support for the proposals.
Approval and Conditions
On May 27, officer Mark Andrews, the council's head of planning, design, and engagement services, approved the application subject to conditions. The application can still be viewed on the authority's website by searching for application PL/2026/00695/PNCOU.
Other Planning Applications
Here is a selection of other live planning applications under consideration by Solihull Council:
- 193 Lyndon Road, Solihull: Single storey rear and front extension and first floor side and rear extension
- 16 Gilberry Close, Knowle: First floor side extension and render to front elevation
- 30 Cheltondale Road, Olton: Two storey side extension
- 35 Meriden Road, Hampton In Arden: Existing garage/office extension
- 65 Greswolde Road, Olton: Conversion of existing garage store and formation of new side entrance
- 273 Station Road, Balsall Common: New single storey rear extension/orangery
- 33 Broadwell Road, Solihull: Single storey rear extension and two storey side extension
- 104 Kineton Green Road, Olton: Single storey wrap around flat roof extension to rear
- 28 Hazeloak Road, Shirley: First floor side extension
- 52 Creynolds Lane, Cheswick Green: Retrospective application for the construction of a detached outbuilding
