There has been a mixed reaction from locals to a proposal to turn a residential house into a new care home for children in a leafy residential Solihull street.
Proposal Details
The proposal for a care home for three children, in Radbourne Road, Shirley, was submitted to Solihull Council in April. The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) visited the area, observing children being walked to nearby Blossomfield Infant School, elderly residents cutting grass, and others heading to shop at Shirley High Street.
Neighbour Concerns
A couple of neighbours were reluctant to speak, simply stating they were “not happy about it.” Many raised concerns about potential additional cars if the plans are approved. “When we get the school parking it becomes almost impassable twice a day for at least half an hour,” one resident said. “They park on both sides of the road.” Another neighbour commented: “It is speculative – there’s hardly any information about it.”
Supportive Voices
However, the majority of residents told the LDRS they would be happy with the conversion, provided the home is well-run. A resident said: “I didn’t have a negative response when I first saw the story because people need to live somewhere. Children’s homes are an asset to the community.” A woman who has lived on the street for two decades said: “It’s a nice place to live round here, most people know their neighbours. If it’s only a small children’s home that’s fine. They did have a break in, the windows were smashed a few months ago – it is better it coming back into use.”
Unknown Provider Raises Concerns
Residents also raised concerns about not knowing the provider, as one had not been named in the planning application. As previously reported, this issue was discussed at the last full council meeting before elections, when Liberal Democrat councillor Laura McCarthy brought forward a motion for debate. Councillor McCarthy explained she moved the motion not to limit care provision but to ensure care in the borough is “of the highest possible standard.” She highlighted “the rise in speculative conversions by entities that, at the time of application, have no registered provider status – this motion is about the safeguarding risk of the unknown.” Councillors have agreed to send the motion to future board meetings for further scrutiny.
