Children’s care home at 7 Birchmoor Close, Olton, Solihull

“Proposal: Change the use of a C3a dwelling to a children's care home (C2) for up to two children aged 5-10 years, with a manager and one carer.”

“This planning application seeks consent for the change of use from an existing residential dwelling house (Use Class C3a), into a residential children’s home (Use Class C2). The proposed residential children’s home will provide residential accommodation for up to a maximum of two children, aged 5-10 years.”

“This report demonstrates that the proposal will not be harmful to the character of the area, residential amenity, or highway safety. The proposal is therefore considered to be in accordance with the adopted development plan, as well as the National Planning Policy Framework. The development therefore benefits from the presumption in favour of sustainable development, and the planning balance is firmly in favour for this proposal.”

“The effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the local area and street scene; • The effect of the proposal on neighbouring properties; and • Highway safety.”

“The application was advertised in accordance with the provisions set down in the Town and Country Planning (General Development Procedure) Order 2015. In total, the LPA has received a total of 5 objection letters in relation to this application. All correspondence has been reviewed and the main relevant planning issues raised are summarised below (Planning Committee Members have access to all third-party correspondence received):”

“Impact on neighbouring amenity • Impact on the character of the area • A more intensive use • Highways impact • Impact on parking within Birchmoor Close • Concerns over future development • Unsuitable location…”

“The existing parking arrangement to the front of the dwelling house will remain unchanged and therefore provides adequate car parking spaces for the one regular shift staff member, as well as the manager. Therefore, there will be no harm to the existing external appearance or character of the dwelling house, or to the wider street scene.”

“The proposed change of use is seeking to use the existing car parking arrangement at the front of 7 Birchmoor Close. The property is served by an existing vehicular access from Birchmoor Close, in the form of a simple vehicle crossover. It is proposed to use the existing vehicular access and there are no proposed changes to the access geometry.”

“PL/2026/00206/COU - 7 BIRCHMOOR CLOSE Conditional approval as per officer recommendation.”