Children’s care home at Woods End, Hollow Lane, Blackboys

The site and surroundings

The semi-detached dwelling stands beside Wimperis Way, with a rear garden and front driveway providing space for two vehicles.

“Site and surroundings A site visit was carried out on 29-May-2026. The site comprises the right-hand side of a pair of semi-detached dwellings located on Beacon Road at its junction with Wimperis Way. It is set back from the main highway of Beacon Road by a service road.”

“The street scene comprises of semi-detached dwellings of similar traditional design. The application dwelling has three bedrooms, a garage set to the side a conservatory to the rear. The site has a rear garden with an area of approximately 127.9m 2 and a hard surfaced front driveway with space to park 2no. vehicles.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the use was residential in character, compatible with the area and acceptable subject to conditions.

“Concerns have been raised that Beacon Road is characterised by family dwellings and that the loss of a family dwelling would add pressure to the shortfall in family housing stock. From the perspective of the residential character of the locality, the intention of such children’s homes is to create as close to a regular family setting as possible.”

“As such, subject to conditions detailed in this report, the change of use from one residential use to another residential use type, in this residential area is considered compatible and policy compliant.”

Officer report

Consultation and representations

The highways authority supported the proposal subject to a parking condition, while twenty objections raised concerns about parking, traffic, noise and behaviour.

“Consultee comments (planning officer’s summary) Children’s Services No comments received. Environmental Health No comments received. Local Highways Authority Supports subject to conditions to maintain parking areas. West Midlands Fire Service No objections. This proposal does not appear to have any detrimental impact on B5 Access & Facilities, as such there are no adverse comments. Advisory notes for Building Control provided.”

“Objections 20 comments have been received (some from the same person/household and anonymous) objecting to the proposal for the following reasons: • Beacon Road is characterised by family housing and elderly residents. • Loss of a family home adds pressure on already limited family housing stock. • This is a cover for a HMO which are not welcomed in this area.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Two speakers opposed the application, raising concerns about narrow access, school traffic, parking, antisocial behaviour and the effect on vulnerable children.

Members’ questions and debate

Members questioned staff parking and changeovers, while officers said the development met parking policy and severe highway harm had not been demonstrated.

“There followed a period of questions to officers. The Highways Development Control & Public Rights of Way Manager advised that while there was existing parking pressures associated with nearby schools, the impact of the proposed development itself had to be assessed. He added that a regular three-bedroom dwelling required two parking spaces, compared to a C2 which required one, however, the application met policy as it was providing two spaces.”

“Members queried staff parking arrangements and shift changes where additional staff vehicles could be present. The Interim Head of Planning and Building Control stated that that whilst there were inconsistencies, they did not render the application invalid.”

Minutes

The decision

The committee delegated authority to grant planning permission subject to conditions and the amendment and finalisation of conditions.

“That Planning Committee Delegated to the Head of Planning & Building Control to Grant Planning Permission Subject to Conditions and subject to the amendment and finalisation of conditions.”

Minutes