A plan to convert a family house on Birchmoor Close in Olton into a children’s care home has been approved by Solihull Council, despite objections from West Midlands Police.
The application, submitted by Lutufur Rehman in January, sought to change the use of an end-terrace dwelling to provide care accommodation for two children aged between five and ten. The property features off-street parking for two vehicles and additional visitor parking to the side.
The proposed care home would be staffed around the clock by a manager and a care worker, offering a stable, family-like environment for the children.
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During the public consultation, five local residents raised objections citing concerns that the location was unsuitable, pointing to potential negative impacts on parking and the character of the area.
West Midlands Police also objected, highlighting the concentration of children’s care placements in Olton. They expressed worry that adding another facility could increase the demand for policing in an area already challenged by high crime rates, antisocial behaviour, and drug misuse.
Olton ward councillor Michael Carthew, who called in the application for committee consideration, described Birchmoor Close as a “small cul-de-sac” and emphasised the importance of heeding resident concerns and noting the significant police objection.
On behalf of the applicant, planning agent Hanif Ghumra stated: “It’s a small-scale children’s residential home for two young children. The intention is to provide a safe, stable, and supportive home, operating similarly to a family household.”
Councillor James Bradley noted this was the first time West Midlands Police had commented on the concentration of care homes in a specific area.
However, planning solicitor Arhamna Jafri advised that the police’s objection held little weight in planning terms, as it was speculative about future impacts rather than based on concrete evidence. She warned that refusal on these grounds might result in an unsuccessful appeal.
Councillor Yvonne Clements addressed residents’ concerns by reflecting on her site visit, saying, “I thought what a lovely family home it would be for some children. Whether it’s a children’s home, an HMO, or private residence, you cannot predict who will live there.”
Councillor Simon Coles inquired whether the specified age range for the children would be imposed as a planning condition. The council’s head of planning, Mark Andrews, confirmed that no such condition would be applied.
When the committee voted on the application at the Civic Suite on 24 July, the result was five in favour, three against, and one abstention, leading to the approval of the care home proposal.
“It’s a small-scale children’s residential home…designed to operate in a manner comparable to a family home.”
This decision adds to the ongoing discussion about the distribution of children’s care facilities in Olton and balancing community concerns with the need for supportive accommodation services.