A government planning inspector has overruled Solihull Council to grant permission for a new children's care home in the borough, following a heated local dispute.
Council Refusal Sparks Appeal
Solihull Council's planning committee unanimously refused the application in July 2025. The proposal from Buryfield Care Services Ltd sought to convert a four-bedroom detached house on Buryfield Road into a home for three children in care, aged 11 to 17, supported by two staff members on night duty.
The refusal came after significant local opposition. More than 250 residents signed a petition against the plans, and 82 formal objections were submitted during the council's public consultation. Local MP Saqib Bhatti also objected, with a statement read at the committee meeting arguing the quiet residential area was an unsuitable location for such an "institutional use".
Councillors echoed these concerns. Councillor Sardul Marwa warned it represented a business, not a family unit, and expressed fears about the potential proliferation of care homes. Councillor Dave Pinwell raised issues about room sizes and the fact the property contained only one bathroom for all occupants.
Inspector's Decision and Rationale
Following the refusal, the applicant launched an appeal. Government planning inspector Karen Townend conducted a site visit in November 2025 and issued her decision in December, allowing the appeal and granting permission.
In her report, the inspector addressed the key concerns raised by the council and residents. She concluded that:
- The level of vehicle movements would not be significantly different from a typical family home and would not severely impact highway safety.
- The proposal would not have an unacceptable adverse effect on the area's character or neighbours' living conditions.
- While acknowledging the "substantial number of objections" and the "strength of feeling," she stated this was not determinative in the decision.
- Regarding the smaller bedroom intended for staff, she noted that technical housing standards for room sizes apply to new dwellings, not conversions.
Outcome and Public Access
The inspector's decision marks the final word on the application, meaning the children's home can now proceed. The appeal decision document is publicly available on Solihull Council's planning portal by searching for application reference PL/2025/01106/PPFL.
This case highlights the tension between local planning authority decisions, national policy, and the provision of care facilities for vulnerable children within communities.
