Planners in Solihull have rejected a controversial application to turn a residential property in Olton into a children's home, citing significant concerns over highway safety and the impact on local amenities.
Highway Safety Concerns Lead to Rejection
The proposal for the home at Dene Court Road in Olton was thrown out by Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council's planning committee during a meeting held at the Civic Suite on December 15. The application, submitted by applicant Aqib Nawaz Nawaz in September, sought to change the use of the house to accommodate two children aged between 11 and 17 years old.
The plan faced considerable local opposition, including a petition bearing 60 signatures and a total of 38 formal objections. Among the objectors were local councillors Josh O'Nyons and Kathryn Thomas.
Residents and Councillors Voice Opposition
During the public speaking section of the committee meeting, resident representative Deborah Smith argued that while the need for children's homes in the borough was acknowledged, the chosen location was unsuitable. She stated the proposal "fails to demonstrate safe or lawful vehicular access" and warned that increased vehicle movements from 24-hour staffing and visiting professionals would have an "unacceptable impact on highway safety."
Speaking for the applicant, Anjum Mehmood of Anjum Design contended that the home would operate similarly to a large family household, with comparable comings and goings. "Parking spaces – if they are adequate for a family house they should be adequate for a new children’s home," Mehmood said.
Committee Debate and Final Decision
However, planning committee chairman Councillor Bob Grinsell challenged this comparison, noting there would be "multiple people, from multiple families, staying in that house." He also questioned whether a designated staff sleepover room on the plans was of sufficient size.
Councillor Sally Tomlinson raised doubts over the applicant's claim that three cars could fit on the driveway. Planning officers clarified that the application included a request to remove a lamppost and install an extended dropped kerb outside the property.
Despite officers recommending approval for the change of use, the committee voted decisively against it. The result saw six councillors vote to refuse, with only two in favour and one abstention.
The committee agreed that the official reason for refusal would be that the proposal contravened council planning policies related to amenity and highway safety.
