Children’s home at 27 Dene Court Road, Olton, Solihull

What was proposed

The application proposed changing a three-bedroom house into a children’s home for two children and up to three staff members at a time.

“Proposal: Change of use converting house (C3) into children’s home (C2).”

“This planning application seeks consent for the change of use from an existing dwelling house (Use Class C3), into a residential children’s home (Use Class C2). The proposed residential children’s home will provide residential accommodation for two children, aged 11-17, as well as up to three staff members at any one time during the day, and two carers overnight.”

Officer report

The site and earlier applications

The property is a three-bedroom dwelling, with earlier approved extensions and a refused prior-notification application for a rear extension.

“PL/2019/02470/MINFHO – Single storey front, side and rear extensions – Approved 21.01.2020”

“PL/2024/00383/PNH – Prior notification for a ground floor rear extension measuring 6m beyond the original rear wall, at a maximum height of 4m, and measuring 4m at the eaves – Refused 03.04.2024”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because they considered the proposal would not harm the area’s character, neighbours or highway safety.

“This report aims to demonstrate that the proposal will not be harmful to the character of the area, residential amenity, or highway safety. The proposal is therefore considered to be in accordance with the adopted development plan, as well as the National Planning Policy Framework. The development therefore benefits from the presumption in favour of sustainable development, and the planning balance is firmly in favour for this proposal.”

Officer report

Consultees and residents

Highways raised no objection, while 38 objections concerned parking, traffic, antisocial behaviour, noise, safety, management and future use.

“- Concerns over potential increase in parking; - Highway safety concerns, and increase in traffic flow; - Anti-social behaviour;”

“- Impact on public safety; - Previous history of unauthorised use as Airbnb; - Noise and disturbance; - Concerns over management of children’s home; - Impact on residents; - Safety concerns for local residents; - Overdevelopment and intensity of use; and - Potential future use of property.”

Officer report

Officers’ assessment

The existing layout and parking would remain, and officers considered the home similar to residential use without unacceptable effects on amenity or traffic.

“The proposed development would utilise and benefit from the existing layout of the three bedroomed property, providing living accommodation on both the ground floor and first floor of the dwelling, which is typical to the use of a house for residential purposes.”

“It is noted that the existing front parking area can accommodate three car parking spaces for the three regular shift staff members. Any additional vehicles that cannot be accommodated on-site would be able to park within the wider highway network. Given that extra staff and visitor parking demand is expected to be limited, any occasional increase in on-street parking would not result in an unacceptable impact on traffic flow or highway safety.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A speaker opposed the application and the agent spoke in support.

The committee’s decision

Members refused the application against the officer recommendation, considering it contrary to policies on highway safety and amenity.

“PL/2025/01836/PPFL - 27 DENE COURT ROAD Refused, against the officer recommendation, as Members deemed it contrary to their policies P8 (Highway Safety) and P14 (Amenity).”

Minutes