Solihull Council's planning committee has approved an application by New Future Care to convert a four-bedroom detached family house in Woodlands Lane, Shirley, into a children's home for two children aged five to 17. The decision, made at a meeting on October 7, followed a delay last month caused by typing errors in the application and came despite a signed petition from 70 residential addresses and 25 formal objections lodged during the consultation period.
Highway safety concerns dominate debate
At the start of the meeting, planning officer Jon Hallam confirmed that a condition had been added regarding staff changeover times to ensure they did not clash with school pick-up times, as officers were mindful of Woodlands Infant School being nearby. During the public speaking session, Jerry Sumner urged members to focus on highway safety, saying: "I'm asking members to focus on one issue - highway safety. My concern is whether this particular site can accommodate this particular use safely."
Sumner, who shared photographs showing vehicles parked over restrictions on Woodlands Lane, added: "The officers report says the impact would not be severe. Not severe does not automatically mean safe." He also referenced being told the application was already a "done deal," a claim that planning committee chairman Councillor Bob Grinsell rejected, stating: "I don't know where you heard that, there is no done deal in this committee I can assure you."
Ward councillor questions highway authority's reasoning
Ward councillor Max McLoughlin criticised the highway authority's position, noting that its objection-free response relied on a single sentence about 'School Keep Clear' restrictions near the school entrance. "The markings don't stop parking as demonstrated by Mr Sumner's images," he said, adding: "I'm asking for refusal."
During the debate, Councillor Grinsell acknowledged that parking issues are common across the borough: "We have seen this scenario many times on this committee. As the speakers have pointed out, it's a highways issue. Every school in the borough has exactly the same issues." He suggested the condition could mitigate impacts at drop-off and pick-up times.
Enforcement limitations and final vote
Councillor James Bradley asked whether the condition could also apply to visitors, but the legal adviser said it would not be enforceable, citing examples such as hospital visits or emergency calls. Bradley later suggested an informative note asking staff to park on the drive rather than the road. Councillor Chris Whelan expressed scepticism about compliance, saying: "We are assuming everybody will adhere to what we asking. It's great to assume, I don't think it works."
The chairman noted that parents often park on zig-zags, double yellow lines, and pavements, and that challenging them can lead to abuse. He told residents in the public gallery: "Should we approve it, we won't see it on a day-to-day basis, you will," implying they could report issues to enforcement officers.
The vote resulted in five councillors in favour and three against. As frustrated residents left the public gallery, shouts of "done decision" were heard following the meeting at the Civic Suite on October 7.
