Solihull Council's planning committee approved a proposal to convert a four-bedroom house in Daytona Drive, Millsons Wood, into a children's home for a child aged seven to 18 with learning disabilities or emotional and behavioural difficulties. The decision, made on September 9, came despite 42 letters of objection from neighbours and emotional pleas from residents during the public speaking section.
Application details and objections
Applicant Jason Hewitt submitted the plan in July to transform the residential property into a care home. The scheme would provide accommodation for one child, supported by two staff members on site and a registered manager. However, residents packed the public gallery, with 24 people attending to support the objection.
Janet Bowers, representing residents, broke down in tears at times during her speech. She said: “This community has told you this development will change where we live. Daytona Drive is a narrow cul-de-sac with no bus route, shops. The parking calculation only works if every member of staff cycles and in any case the driveway is too small.”
Councillor concerns and support
Councillor Catherine Price, who represents the ward, highlighted the level of concern the application generated. She said: “Residents understand the importance of supporting children in care - they are concerned about whether this particular proposal has been fully assessed at this location. This proposal is simply not suitable for this location.”
However, a statement from Lilian McGrath read out during the meeting supported the plan. She said: “I believe this is the correct place for a child to be housed and if we cannot house a child in care on a residential street then where do the neighbours expect them to be housed? This is the 21st century not Victorian England and we should be welcoming care in the community.”
Previous application and parking debate
The Local Democracy Reporting Service previously reported that an earlier application for the care home had been rejected. Councillor David Hoey asked what had changed since that application. Planning officer Jon Hallam explained the previous application sought to certify that using the house as a children's home was legal without full planning permission, but officers ruled it wasn't, prompting the full application.
Councillor Michael James raised concerns about space and parking, asking if there was enough room for three staff members. The officer responded that the existing four-bedroom house could be occupied by a family of five or six, or a HMO of up to six people, generating significant parking demand. The officer added: “The question is; is the proposal going to have a materially harmful impact? We (officers) say no, if anything it will be an improvement potentially.”
This remark drew laughter from the public gallery, before Councillor James said: “Infrastructure in a residential area is a massive thing and shouldn’t be ignored.”
Approval and vote outcome
The application was ultimately approved, subject to conditions, on a narrow vote with five councillors in favour and four against. The decision permits the conversion of the Daytona Drive property into a children's home, despite the significant opposition from the local community.
