Children’s residential home at 4 Wharfedale Street, Wednesbury

What was proposed

The application proposed changing a four-bedroom house from a dwelling into a residential home for up to three children, with a rear car port.

“DC/25/70518 Application Description Proposed change of use of 4 bedroom house (Class C3) into residential home (Class C2) for up to three children. Application Received 7 April 2025. Report Author…”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The property is one of two four-bedroom homes in a mainly residential area, near a boxing club, town centre and public car park.

“The Application Site 5.1 The application property is a two 4-bedroom detached property that is located on the south side of Wharfedale Street, Wednesbury close to the junction with Spring Head. The character of the surrounding area is largely residential in nature with the town centre to the west of the site and immediately next to the property there is a boxing club/academy. A pay and display car park is situated opposite the site.”

“Application Details 6.1. The application relates to one of a pair of four bedroom properties on the southern side of Wharfedale Street, Wednesbury.”

Officer report

Earlier permission and arrangements

Permission was previously granted for two homes with rear parking, while the proposal included children’s bedrooms, staff accommodation and existing rear parking.

“Planning History Planning permission was granted for granted for 2 dwellings (ref: DC/16/60135). This permission included details of parking to serve the rear along with rear garden amenity. Access to serve the parking area would be gained from Spring Head. See image below of approved layout and aerial photo of rear access:”

“When both houses are at full capacity, there will be a combined (for both homes) maximum of 3 No. support staff members and 1 No manager in the day, with 3 support staff working at night. There will be two shifts, one from 7.30am to 10pm, and a night shift from 10pm to 0800am. There is existing off- street parking for each property in the form of a rear parking area.”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval because the use would fit the location and would not harm neighbours through traffic, noise, disturbance or highway safety.

“Reasons for the recommendation and 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.”

Officer report

Main planning issues

The assessment considered anti-social behaviour, parking, highway safety and whether the care home would be out of character or in the wrong location.

“Key Considerations 4.1 The site is not allocated in the development plan. Material planning considerations (MPCs) are matters that can and should be taken into account when making planning decisions. By law, planning decisions should be made in accordance with the development plan unless MPCs indicate otherwise. This means that if enough MPCs weigh in favour of a development, it should be approved even if it conflicts with a local planning policy.”

“The material planning considerations which are relevant to this application are: • Government policy (NPPF); • Anti-social behaviour; • Highways considerations - traffic generation, access, highway safety, parking and servicing. • Out of character with surrounding area and not the right location for the proposal.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Planning Policy and Highways raised no objection, while Public Health requested noise and management controls and Police recommended security, lighting and CCTV.

“No objection subject to the imposition of 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. Additionally, a noise assessment is requested due to the proximity of the dwellings to commercial units.”

“They make observations relating to the room allocations (staff office/sleep over) and parking concerns given the staff change overs and that the adjoining property is for the same proposal. They recommend that a management plan is provided to include CCTV, lighting and security if permission is granted.”

Officer report

Residents’ concerns

Four objections raised concerns about anti-social behaviour, parking, and whether the proposal was out of character and unsuitable for the area.

“Publicity The application has been publicised by 98 neighbour notification letters and by one site notice. Four objections have been received and are summarised below: a. Potential for anti-social behaviour, b. Parking issues, and…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant described the care, staffing, parking and local benefits, while the ward councillor repeated objectors’ concerns about late amendments and parking.

Members’ consideration

Members were told that re-consultation was not legally required after amendments, although the late receipt of letters was considered unfortunate.

“Councillor Luke Giles was present at the meeting on behalf of objectors in his capacity as Ward Councillor and stated that the amended plans had only been received by objectors after the deadline for responses had passed. Concerns were also re-iterated regarding the potential parking issues around the site.”

“Members were reminded that there was no legal obligation for the Council to re-consult following an amendment to plans however, it was noted that it was unfortunate that letters had not been received by objectors in a timely manner.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee approved the application subject to conditions controlling noise, management, boundaries, restricted use and the provision and retention of parking.

“Members were minded to approve the application, subject to the conditions recommended by the Executive Director-Place.”

“Resolved that Planning Application DC/25/70518 – 4 Wharfedale Street, Wednesbury WS10 9AG (Proposed change of use of 4 bedroom house (Class C2) for up to three children and proposed car port to the rear) is apporved subject to the following conditions relating to: i. submission of a Noise Assessment & implementation thereafter; ii. management plan (to include security, lighting and CCTV); iii. details of new boundary walls and fences; iv.”

Minutes