Children's residential home at 4A Wharfedale Street, Wednesbury

“DC/25/70519 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…”

“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 2 four bedroom properties on the southern side of Wharfedale Street, Wednesbury.”

“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:”

“A full list of the planning history is provided below: Reference Description Decision and date DC/16/60135 Proposed 2 No. 4 bed semi detached dwellings with parking at rear and new boundary wall to front and fencing/gates to rear. Grant Permission subject to Conditions – 29.03.2017.”

“The ground floor would provide a front reception room, middle lounge rear and kitchen/dining room and w.c. The first floor would provide two children’s bedrooms (each with an ensuite bathroom), with a third children’s bedroom (with ensuite) provided in the roof space along with a staff bedroom/office and bathroom.”

“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.”

“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.”

“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…”

“Highway safety The framework promotes sustainable transport options for development proposal and states that developments should only be prevented or refused on highway grounds if there would be an unacceptable impact on highway safety, or the residual cumulative impacts on the road network would be severe.”

“I have noted concerns that the proposed development would be an inappropriate use and out of character with the residential area. However, the proposed use falls into a residential use in the Use Classes Order 1987 (as amended). It does not fall into a commercial, business or service use. As such, the proposed use would be compatible with a residential area and this location.”

“In connection with Minute No. 76/25 (above), members were minded to defer consideration of the application to a future meeting of the Committee to allow officers to obtain up-to-date plans and further assess the proposal.”

“Resolved that consideration of Planning Application DC/25/70519 - 4A Wharfdale Street, Wednesbury WS10 9AG (Proposed change of use of 4 bedroom house (Class C3) into residential home (Class C2) for up to three children) to allow officers to obtain up to date plans and further assess the proposal.”