A Birmingham private school has submitted plans to convert the Elmdon Lodge Guest House in Acocks Green into boarding accommodation for up to 20 students from Kimichi School, located within walking distance.
The proposed change of use would transform the bed and breakfast into separate living areas for boys and girls, operating for approximately 10 months each year. Kimichi is an independent music-focused school with boarding fees starting at £9,334 plus VAT per term.
According to the planning application, while converting the guest house would reduce local hotel offerings, several other guest houses and hotels nearby would compensate for this loss.
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The school anticipates peak activity periods at the beginning and end of terms when parents drop off and collect their children. Daily arrivals and departures will be staggered to manage traffic and noise levels.
The applicants emphasize that with 20 supervised students primarily engaged in homework and quiet activities, noise and disturbance levels would be comparable to those generated by typical hotel guests. The planning statement argues that student presence would likely produce less turnover and noise than a traditional guest house, with children more closely managed by staff than leisure visitors.
Overall, the change is expected to have minimal impact on the local community while providing needed boarding accommodation for Kimichi’s students.