A formal proposal to transform a four-bedroom family house in a Solihull suburb into a residential children's home has been submitted to the local authority.
The application, lodged by Chantelle Cecile, seeks a change of use for the property on Rowthorn Drive in Monkspath. Submitted on December 30, 2025, the plans aim to address a critical national shortage of suitable accommodation for young people in care.
Details of the Proposed Children's Home
The planning statement outlines that the home would provide long-term accommodation for a maximum of two children, aged between five and 17 years old. The four-bedroom house would allocate two first-floor bedrooms for the children.
The remaining two bedrooms on the same floor would be used as staff sleepover rooms and office space. Communal living areas, including the reception room, dining room, and kitchen, are situated on the ground floor.
The staffing model proposes two trained carers on duty during the day, with two more staff members present overnight. A registered manager would also oversee the home. The applicant argues that this provides a stable, supervised environment that mitigates safeguarding risks.
Addressing a National Crisis
The application directly references the well-documented crisis in children's social care, where a lack of appropriate places leads to vulnerable young people being housed in unsuitable temporary accommodation like hotels or being moved far from their support networks.
"This proposal would provide a needed specialist accommodation within a residential area without detracting from the character of the area," the statement asserts. It further contends that the level of activity from the home would be comparable to that of a typical family household.
Public Consultation Now Open
Solihull Council has officially launched a public consultation on the proposal, giving local residents and interested parties the opportunity to submit their views. The consultation period will run until February 2, 2026.
To examine the full application documents or to submit a comment, individuals must visit the council's online planning portal and search for reference number PL/2025/02393/PPFL.
