Children’s home for three at 1 Constables Drive, Smethwick

What was proposed

The application proposed changing a five-bedroom dwelling into a children’s home for up to three young people aged 11 to 17.

“Application reference DC/24/70128 Application address 1 Constables Drive Smethwick B66 3AY Application description Proposed change of use from residential dwelling to children's home for up to 3 No. young people aged between 11 and 17 years old. Application received 23 December 2024 Ward Soho & Victoria Contact officer Mr Andrew Dean andrew_dean@sandwell.gov.uk…”

“The applicant is proposing to convert the residential dwelling to a children's home for up to 3 No. young people aged between 11 and 17 years old. The ground floor would consist of a lounge, kitchen/dining room and a bathroom. The first floor would contain one children’s bedrooms, a staff office/sleep over, a games room and a bathroom. The second floor would consist of two children’s bedrooms and a bathroom.”

Officer report

The site

The detached house is in a residential area, has four existing parking spaces and is served partly by a private driveway.

“The application property is new build, five-bedroom detached residential property located on the western side of Constables Drive, Smethwick. The property currently has four car parking spaces with two being provided on a driveway and two within a detached double garage. The character of the surrounding area is residential in nature. Constables Drive is a private driveway and is not adopted public highway.”

Officer report

Planning history

The new dwelling formed part of an approved development of nine homes on a former car park.

“The application property is a new build dwelling which was granted approval as part of a wider development of nine dwellings on a former car park. The scheme was granted approval under planning application DC/19/62835.”

Officer report

Advice from consultees

Highways raised no objection after parking changes, while noise officers required management details and police concerns focused on policing demand and security.

“Highways have confirmed that one space is required for each on shift staff member. As two staff would be on each shift with a manager present during the day, three car parking spaces would be required. Following receipt of additional information including clarification of staffing numbers and a revised car parking plan showing one additional car parking spaces being provided to the frontage, the Head of Highways has raised no objections to the application. A condition for an…”

“The police have noted that the dwelling is within an IMPACT area (proven high crime area): ‘Due to all the above this location will see an increase in police demand, mainly from the Local Policing team.’ However, in my opinion there is no evidence to suggest that the home would generate any greater policing activity than any other family home in the area, and the behaviour of residents is down to responsible management rather than planning judgement.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant’s agent supported the proposal, while an objector raised concerns about traffic, emergency access and deterioration of the shared private road.

Committee discussion

Members considered the recommended conditions adequate, and highways officers said they would investigate a possible Keep Clear sign.

“Officers from Highways confirmed that they would investigate the possibility of introducing a “Keep Clear” sign on the public highway that was just outside of Constable Drive.”

“Members were satisfied that the conditions recommended were adequate and highlighted that issues around unwanted access to Constable Drive the road could be discussed between the residents which could include the construction of a retractable barrier.”

Minutes

The decision

The committee approved the application with conditions including a management plan, three children and three staff, four parking spaces, a dropped kerb and landscaping.

“Resolved that Planning Application DC/24/70128 – 1 Constable Drive, Smethwick B66 3AY (Proposed change of use from residential dwelling to children’s home for up to 3 No. young people aged between 11 and 17 years old) is approved subject to conditions relating to:- i) Management plan; ii) The premises shall be used only as a residential home for three children and three staff and for no other purpose (including any other use falling within Class C2 of the Order)”

Minutes