Solihull Council has granted planning permission for a family home in Buryfield Road to become a children's care home, after councillors were reminded of a lost planning appeal for a similar property on the same street.
The proposal by applicant Mr Khalid sought a change of use for the property to provide care for up to three children aged five to 17, with three care staff working on a 48-hour rota.
Public opposition and objections
During a public consultation, the committee heard that 58 objections had been lodged, including from the three ward councillors and local MP Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst. Objector Michelle Heeley told the meeting: "This quite frankly is an application to make money from the council. It has not been created for the benefit of children, there would also be a negative impact on the character of the area. You (the committee) have a decision tonight - to accede to these ever increasing speculative applications or ask yourselves what you want your local area to be."
Ward councillor Wazma Qais also voiced strong opposition, stating: "I'm here to strongly object. While I recognise the importance of providing suitable accommodation for vulnerable children I have significant concerns over the suitability of this location."
Planning officer's recommendation and appeal reminder
Planning agent Chintan Shah acknowledged neighbours' concerns but argued that "the planning assessment concludes the proposal would not result in material planning harm." He also noted that the council's planning officers had recommended approval.
When debate opened, planning officer Jon Hallam highlighted a recent planning appeal decision. As previously reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, another property in Buryfield Road was refused permission to become a children's home by the committee last year, but a government inspector later overturned that decision. Hallam said: "It (this application) is very similar in terms of scale and use of the property. The inspector makes clear a small children's home is not expected to have any material impact than if it were to be occupied as a house."
Committee debate and approval
Councillor Prish Sharma questioned the application's validity, but officers confirmed it had passed that stage. Councillor Bradley proposed deferring the application for further review, but this was defeated in a vote.
Committee chairman Councillor Bob Grinsell then said: "We are in desperate need here in Solihull for this kind of facility for our children." He added that neighbours would "still have a voice" once the home was operational, being able to communicate concerns to the council.
The committee approved the application by seven votes to two. The meeting was held at the Civic Suite on June 17.
