Solihull Council planners have refused an application to convert a seven-bedroom family house on Grange Road, Olton, into a children’s home, ruling the change of use unlawful without full planning permission. The applicant, New Focus Child Care Limited, now faces the prospect of submitting a fresh application for full planning consent if it wishes to proceed.
Earlier this year, the plan to establish a care home for up to four children aged six to 18 was publicised. The business model includes up to four carers working during the day and two overnight, operating on a 48-hour shift rota, according to a planning statement by Knights, the agent acting on the applicant’s behalf.
The submitted statement highlighted that no structural or external modifications to the property would be needed, as the existing building is suitable for accommodating the children. The ethos is to maintain a “normal family life” environment for the children, integrating them into the local community.
The application sought a certificate of lawful development, which, if approved, would have meant the change of use did not require formal planning permission. Knights asserted that the change would not constitute a material change of use and thus did not require a planning application.
However, on June 29, Mark Andrews, Solihull Council’s head of planning, design and engagement services, issued a refusal. He confirmed that the proposed change represents a material change of use to a C2 classification (residential institution), which is not permitted under the Town and Country Planning Order 1987 without explicit permission. Andrews advised that a full planning application is necessary for the proposed use to be lawful.
As of now, no further applications related to this site have been submitted to the council.
This outcome is consistent with a recent decision regarding a similar case on Daytona Drive, Millisons Wood, where an application for a children’s home was swiftly deemed unlawful.
The original application details can still be accessed on the Solihull Council planning portal under reference PL/2026/00059/CLOPUD.