Plans to convert a family house into a care home for children have been given the green light by city planners, despite strong objections from neighbours worried about parking and the area's character.
Council approves care home conversion
Worcester City Council has granted permission for the property at 55 Woolhope Road to be turned into a residential care home for two children aged between eight and 17 years old. The decision was made on 27 December 2025, allowing the change of use from a standard dwelling to a care facility.
Neighbours voice strong objections
Local residents raised significant concerns during the consultation process, focusing primarily on two key issues. They described "severe existing parking congestion" on the street and argued that introducing a care home would be "incompatible with the character of a quiet residential street".
Objectors emphasised that Woolhope Road is a family-centric area with many young children, and they feared the care home would disrupt the "established character" of their neighbourhood. Their views found support from city councillor Adam Scott, who stated the plan would "add a potentially difficult use into an already crowded residential street".
Planning officers recommend approval
Despite the objections, the council's planning officers recommended approval. They concluded that "no material planning considerations were identified that would warrant the application being brought before the committee" for further review.
This assessment meant the application was decided under delegated powers rather than being debated by the full planning committee, as Councillor Scott had requested. The officers' report effectively determined that the neighbours' concerns, while noted, did not constitute sufficient planning grounds to refuse the application for the children's care home.
The decision highlights the ongoing tension between the need for specialised care facilities in community settings and residents' desires to preserve the existing character and amenity of their streets. It also underscores the specific challenges of parking pressure in residential areas, a common issue in planning disputes across the UK.
