Children’s care home at 5 Highgate Close, Walsall

What was proposed

The application sought to change a house into a residential children’s care home, including converting the garage.

“24/0501 Site location: 5, HIGHGATE CLOSE, WALSALL, WS1 3JD Application proposal: Full planning application for change of use from a house (C3 dwellinghouse) to a residential childrens care home (C2 residential facility) including garage conversion. Application type: Full Application: Change of Use Link to application documents: https://go.walsall.gov.uk/planningapps?id=24/0501 Applicant: [name withheld].”

Officer report

Who spoke

Two speakers opposed the application and one supported it, discussing residential character, parking, safety, the property’s vacancy and care experience.

What members debated

Members disagreed about parking, traffic and possible over-saturation, with some considering the proposal similar to an ordinary home.

“There followed a period of questions to officers. The Senior Planning Officer advised that the consultation had not found evidence of an issue regarding proliferation of similar schemes in the area and provided clarity regarding the consultees included in the report.”

“There followed a period of debate. Several members voiced concerns regarding potential implications regarding parking and traffic, and that an oversaturation of care homes within the area could change its character. Other members expressed opinions that there was no evidence of oversaturation; that the proposal would be similar to an ordinary residential property; and that the development would not change the character of the area.”

Minutes

The vote

The motion to refuse was carried after six members voted in favour, six against, and the Chair used the casting vote.

“It was moved by Councillor Nawaz and seconded by Councillor K. Hussain and upon being put to the vote it was;”

“Resolved (voting tied at 6 in favour and 6 against, therefore carried on the Chair’s casting vote)”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee refused permission because it found inadequate parking, a commercialising effect on local character and perceived over-saturation of care homes.

“That Planning Committee Planning Committee refuse planning permission for application, 24/0501, contrary to the officers’ recommendation, on the grounds that: There was a lack of adequate car parking; The application would impact the character of the area due to its commercialising influence; There was a perceived over-saturation of care homes in the locality.”

Minutes