Two-person children's home at 10 Sandford Avenue, Rowley Regis

What was proposed

The application proposed changing a three-bedroom dwelling into a children’s home for up to two young people aged eight to eighteen.

“Application reference DC/24/69896 Application address 10 Sandford Avenue Rowley Regis B65 9LT Application description Proposed change of use from residential dwelling to care home for 2 No. young people aged between 8 and 18 years old. Application received 08 October 2024 Ward Blackheath Contact officer Mr Andrew Dean andrew_dean@sandwell.gov.uk…”

“The applicant is proposing to convert the existing dwelling house (Use Class C3) to a children's home (Use Class C2) for up to 2 No. young people aged between 8 to 18 years old. The ground floor would consist of a reception room, kitchen, bathroom and conservatory. The first floor would contain two bedrooms for the children and a staff office/sleepover room.”

Officer report

The site and its history

The site is a semi-detached residential property in a residential area, and no relevant planning history was identified.

“The application property is semi-detached residential property located on the northern side of Sandford Avenue, Rowley Regis. The character of the surrounding area is residential in nature.”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers considered the proposal compatible with the area and found no significant planning harm that could not be controlled by conditions.

“The proposed change of use would be acceptable in this location and would not harm the living conditions of neighbouring occupiers, with particular regard to traffic movements, noise disturbance and highway safety. The proposal would therefore accord with Policy SAD H4 of The Site Allocations and Delivery Development Plan Document where it seeks to ensure that proposals for specific needs housing are compatible with adjacent uses.”

Officer report

Consultees’ views

Highways, Pollution Control and West Midlands Police raised no objections, subject to conditions for access and management details.

“Following receipt of additional information including a car parking layout to the front, the Head of Highways has raised no objections to the…”

“No objection subject to a condition for a management scheme being submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority. This would need to provide details regarding the management of the property, including staffing, waste disposal, parking, noise control and procedures for complaints.”

Officer report

Who spoke at the meeting

Objectors spoke about parking, emergency access, anti-social behaviour and noise, while the applicant’s agent addressed highways, staffing and the proposed conditions.

Members’ discussion

Members identified parking as the most credible planning concern but found no material difference in traffic movements from the existing residential use.

“Members were in agreement that the most credible material planning consideration was that of parking however, no material difference to traffic movements as a result of a change of use from a residential to a care home could be highlighted. Additionally, it was noted that the driveway would have accommodated up to three vehicles with an extra fourth vehicle being able to park across the driveway during change-overs.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee approved the application subject to conditions covering management, occupancy, a dropped kerb and fencing to secure the rear garden.

“Resolved that Planning Application DC/24/69896 - 10 Sandford Avenue, Rowley Regis B65 9LT (Proposed change of use from residential dwelling to care home for 2 No. young people aged between 8 and 18 years old) is approved, subject to, conditions relating to:- i) Management plan; ii) The premises shall be used only as a residential home for two iii) children and three staff and for no other purpose (including any other use falling within Class C2 of the Order) but may revert…”

Minutes