Solihull Council planners have approved the conversion of a family home in Castle Bromwich into a children’s home, despite local concerns regarding pedestrian safety and parking provisions.
The application, submitted by Oceanway Childcare Ltd in May, proposes transforming the property in Wasperton Close to accommodate three children aged seven to 17. It also includes converting a garage into a staff office.
During the public consultation phase, the proposal attracted 19 objections, including those from Castle Bromwich ward councillors Alan Feeney and Jamie Campbell. Castle Bromwich Parish Council also voiced concerns about increased noise, disturbance, pressure on neighbouring properties, and inadequate parking.
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One local resident, Trevor Tomkins, highlighted the potential impact on the area’s character, describing Wasperton Close as a small enclave of family homes. He expressed worries about highway safety due to the narrow circular end of the close, its proximity to neighbouring driveways, and a public footpath running alongside a narrow driveway. Residents have reportedly experienced blockages on driveways and footpaths.
Supporting the application, Junaid Butt addressed anti-social behaviour concerns, stating there is no evidence associating children’s homes with such issues. He outlined staff arrangements, noting that three staff members would be present in the mornings and two overnight, with some days involving no staff changeovers.
During the planning committee meeting on 9 September at the Civic Suite, committee chairman Councillor Bob Grinsell acknowledged the site’s challenging parking situation and suggested installing a barrier along the public walkway to enhance pedestrian safety. Planning officer Jon Hallam noted that, as the site is an existing four-bedroom house, there would naturally be considerable activity and parking, making it difficult to justify additional protections solely based on a change of use.
Councillor Michael James expressed concerns that the driveway could only accommodate around five vehicles, and that parking segregation might lead to more cars being parked on the road.
Highways officers raised no objections, deeming the proposal acceptable in terms of highway safety. However, Councillor Grinsell emphasised his greater concern for pedestrian safety, stating he tends to give less weight to highways' advice on this matter.
Ultimately, the planning committee approved the application with five votes in favour and four against, imposing conditions including the addition of a barrier along the footpath to address safety concerns.