Plans for a new children's home in a Solihull hamlet have been halted after the local authority ruled that the development requires full planning permission. Applicant Jason Hewitt sought a certificate of lawful development to convert a four-bedroom house on Daytona Drive, Millsons Wood, into a specialist home for one child. The proposal included a manager and up to two carers working on a rota basis.
Application Rejected Within a Day
Submitted to Solihull Council on June 29, the application aimed to bypass standard planning procedures by arguing the change of use was lawful. However, on June 30, officer Mark Andrews, the council’s head of planning, design and engagement services, issued a decision notice refusing the certificate. He stated that the proposed change “would constitute a material change of use for which there is no permitted change.” The applicant was advised to submit a full planning application for change of use if they wished to proceed.
Applicant's Rationale
A planning statement accompanying the application argued that the home would be registered with Ofsted as a specialist one-bedroom children’s home, intended for long-term care rather than emergency housing. It claimed “there is little material difference between the current and proposed use,” and that the property would look no different from adjacent houses. The statement also noted that up to three staff members would be present during the day but insisted this would not affect the amenity of the area. “Comings and goings would be no greater than occur at present,” it added, referencing similar decisions from other local authorities.
No Further Application Yet
As of the latest update, the council’s planning portal shows no subsequent application for full planning permission has been submitted. The refusal means the project cannot move forward without a new application, which would be subject to public consultation and standard planning assessment.
