Three-child care home at 217 Beacon Road, Great Barr, Birmingham

The site and surroundings

The site is a semi-detached dwelling beside Beacon Road service road, with three bedrooms, a garage, driveway parking and a rear garden.

“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 permission because the residential care use was considered compatible with the area and acceptable for design, amenity and highways.

“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.”

“Design, layout, and character The planning statement confirms that the home will operate at a domestic scale and function as a single household within an established residential area. The change of use from a residential use to a different residential use reflects the existing residential character of the locality and is considered compatible.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The Highway Authority supported the proposal subject to parking conditions, the Fire Service had no objections, and Police requested further details.

“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.”

“West Midlands Police Further details required. (Comments discussed in this report)”

Officer report

Who spoke

Two speakers opposed the application, raising concerns about narrow access, parking during school periods, blocked roads and the timing of staff changeovers.

Members’ debate

Members questioned staff parking and changeovers; officers said the proposal 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 committee’s decision

Planning permission was delegated to the Head of Planning and Building Control, subject to conditions and amendment and finalisation of those conditions.

“The Chair invited debate on the matter, and it was moved by Councillor Beecha and seconded by Councillor Henery and upon being put to the vote it was;”

“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