Solihull planners have rejected a proposal to convert a house on Dene Court Road in Olton into a children’s home. The application, submitted by Aqib Nawaz Nawaz in September to accommodate two children aged 11 to 17, faced significant opposition from local residents and councillors alike.
A petition with 60 signatures was handed to Solihull Council, alongside 38 formal objections, including those from Olton councillors Josh O’Nyons and Kathryn Thomas. Residents and representatives raised concerns about the suitability of the location and the potential impact of increased traffic.
During the planning committee meeting held at the Civic Suite on December 15, Deborah Smith addressed the committee, highlighting that while children’s homes are necessary in the borough, this particular location was inappropriate. She emphasized that the proposal lacked safe and lawful vehicular access, and the increase in traffic from 24-hour staffing and visiting professionals posed unacceptable risks to highway safety.
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In response, Anjum Mehmood of planning agents Anjum Design argued that the conversion would be similar to a regular family house, suggesting that vehicular movements and parking requirements would be comparable to those of a family of six.
However, committee members expressed doubts. Councillor Bob Grinsell noted the presence of multiple unrelated individuals residing in the home, and questioned the adequacy of the planned staff/sleepover room. Councillor Sally Tomlinson raised concerns about parking space and whether three cars could fit on the driveway as proposed.
Planning officers explained that the applicant sought to remove a lamppost and extend the drop kerb to improve access. Despite officers recommending approval, the committee voted against the application by six votes to two, with one abstention.
Councillors concluded that the proposal violated council planning policies related to amenity and highway safety, leading to the official refusal of the application.