Three-child care home at 32 Doulton Drive, Smethwick

What was proposed

The applicant proposed changing a four-bedroom dwelling into a care home for three young people aged 13 to 16, without changing its layout.

“The applicant proposes to convert the dwelling (Use Class C3) to a children’s home (Use Class C2) for three children aged between 13 and 16 years old. The physical floor layout of the dwelling would remain unchanged as a result of the proposal. The ground floor would consist of a hall, WC, living room, dining room and kitchen; the first floor would comprise three children’s bedrooms, one staff sleep-in bedroom and a bathroom.”

“The accompanying Care Statement sets out how the home would operate. There would be a maximum of three staff on duty at the property at any one time with two staff overnight. The home would operate as a single-family unit with one bedroom for overnight staff.”

Officer report

The site

The property is a four-bedroom dwelling in a residential area, with one existing parking space increased to two spaces.

“The application property is a four-bedroom dwelling situated on the south side of Doulton Drive, Smethwick. The character of the surrounding area is residential. The dwelling is currently served by one off-street parking space which would be increased two as a result of this proposal.”

Officer report

Earlier permission

A similar application was approved in 2019 for three children, but that permission was not implemented and expired.

“A planning application was approved in 2019 for use of the property as a children’s home for three children aged 13 to 16 years. This consent was not implemented and has now expired.”

“DC/19/63550 Proposed change of use from dwelling (use class C3(a)) to residential institution (use class C2). Approved - 07.11.2019”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the proposal was considered compatible with the area and unlikely to harm neighbours through traffic, noise or disturbance.

“That planning permission is granted subject to the following conditions relating to:”

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

Officer report

Who spoke

An objector addressed the committee, while the applicant was not present at the meeting.

Members’ discussion

Members noted the management plan, earlier permission, consultation process and the roles of planning officers and Ofsted in addressing concerns.

“Following further discussion from members, the following points were highlighted:- - A Management Plan had been included as one of the conditions for this planning application; - A previous planning application for a care home for two children had already been granted; - In relation to the WM Police’s concerns regarding community tensions, no further elaboration had been provided and planning officers agreed to engage with WM Police going forward to ensure consultation…”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee approved the application subject to conditions controlling management, occupancy, parking and the premises’ permitted use.

“Resolved that Planning Application DC/25/70200 - 32 Doulton Drive, Smethwick B66 1RA - Proposed change of use from residential dwelling to residential care home for 3 No. young people aged between 13 and 16 years old (resubmission of approved planning permission DC/19/63550) is approved, subject to conditions relating to:-”

Minutes