Children’s care home at 102 Buryfield Road, Solihull

What was proposed

The application proposed changing a four-bedroom dwelling into a children’s home for up to three children aged 5 to 17.

“This planning application seeks consent for the change of use from an existing 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 three children, aged 5-17. The property will accommodate no more than three children, and will be supported by three care staff on shift at any one time, operating on a 48-hour rota. In addition, a visiting manager will attend the property during daytime hours as required for operational oversight.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the proposal would not harm the area’s character, neighbours’ amenity or highway safety.

“This report has demonstrated that the proposal will not be harmful to the character of the existing area/surrounding street scene, highway safety, or residential amenity.”

“The proposal is therefore considered to be in accordance with the adopted development plan and guidance in the National Planning Policy Framework. The development therefore benefits from the presumption in favour of sustainable development, and the planning balance is therefore firmly in favour of this proposal.”

Officer report

Main planning issues

The main issues were the effect on the local area and street scene, neighbouring properties and highway safety.

“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.”

Officer report

Consultees’ views

The lead local flood authority, Children’s Commissioning and Highways raised no objections.

“Statutory Consultees – The following Statutory Consultee responses have been received:”

“SMBC Children’s Commissioning – No objections. • SMBC Highways – No objections.”

Officer report

Objections received

Ten objections raised concerns including noise, traffic, parking, privacy, safety, clustering, the area’s character and loss of family housing.

“In total, the LPA received 10 objections to this application. All correspondence has been reviewed and the main relevant issues raised are summarised below (Planning Committee Members have access to all third-party correspondence received):”

“Over-concentration/clustering of Children’s homes • Residential amenity (noise and disturbance) • Traffic, parking and highway safety • Loss of privacy • Security and safety concerns • Character of the area • Suitability of location • Accommodation and layout issues • Operator/management concerns • Loss of family housing • Financial motivation…”

Officer report

Who spoke

A speaker and a ward councillor spoke against the application, while a statement supporting it was read aloud on behalf of another speaker.

The committee’s decision

The committee granted conditional approval in accordance with the officer recommendation.

“PL/2026/00714/PPFL - 102 BURYFIELD ROAD Conditional approval as per the officer recommendation.”

Minutes

Main condition

The approved use must not accommodate more than three children at any one time.

“Approval is recommended subject to the following précis of conditions a full list of standard conditions is available using the following link: http://www.solihull.gov.uk/Resident/Planning/searchplanningapplications…”

“Compliance with Approved Plans (CS00) 2. Statutory Time Limit (CS05) 3. The maximum number of children to be accommodated at any one time shall not exceed three…”

Officer report