Children’s home at 688 Chester Road, Solihull

What was proposed

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

“Proposal: Change the use of a C3a dwelling to a children's home (C2) for up to three children aged 11-17 years, with a manager and two carers, who will sleep overnight, working on a rota basis.”

“This planning application seeks consent for the change of use from an existing dwelling house (Use Class C3a), into a residential children’s home (Use Class C2). The proposed residential children’s home will provide residential accommodation for up to a maximum of three children, aged 11-17.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Approval was recommended because the proposal was considered unlikely to harm the street scene, neighbours or highway safety.

“The effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the local area and street scene…”

“The existing parking to the front of the dwelling house will remain unchanged and therefore provides adequate car parking spaces for the three regular shift staff members. There will therefore be no harm to the existing external appearance or character of the dwelling house, or to the wider street scene.”

Officer report

Main planning issues

The assessment considered the local character, neighbouring properties and highway safety.

“The effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the local area and street scene; • The effect of the proposal on neighbouring properties; and • Highway safety.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The Lead Local Flood Authority, Children’s Commissioning and Highways raised no objections, while the parish council gave no response.

“LLFA – No objection • Kingshurst Parish Council – No response received.”

“SMBC Children’s Commissioning – No objections. • SMBC Highways – No objections.”

Officer report

What people objected to

Ten objections raised concerns including parking, highway safety, traffic, residential amenity, drainage, the property’s condition and the proposed use.

“In total, the LPA received 10 objections to this application. All correspondence has been reviewed and the main relevant issues raised are summarised below (Planning Committee Members have access to all third-party correspondence received):”

“Constitutes a material change of use • Being used as an HMO • Parking issues • Impact on highway safety • House in poor condition • Impact on residential amenity • Increased vehicular movements • Safety concerns • Detrimental impact on the character of the area • Drainage issues • Inconsistencies within the application submission…”

Officer report

Who spoke

A representative from Anjum Design Ltd was absent, while a named speaker and the ward councillor spoke against the application.

The committee’s decision

The committee deferred the application to establish the correct existing plans and investigate whether unlawful use had occurred.

“PL/2025/02217/PPFL - 688 CHESTER ROAD The matter was deferred for Officers: • To establish the correct existing plans; and • To investigate whether unlawful use had occurred.”

Minutes