More than 50 neighbours object to residential home for two children in Great Barr
A decision on whether a house in Great Barr can be converted into a children’s home will be made by councillors after more than 50 neighbours objected.
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The move would see the home in Poolehouse Road, Great Barr, near the M6 on the edge of the Black Country and Birmingham border, converted into a residential home for two children with emotional and behavioural difficulties.
A total of 53 objections were registered with the Black Country authority ahead of Wednesday’s planning meeting where councillors will decide whether the work on the three-bed home can go ahead.
The objectors said converting the house into a children’s home for two children, and up to three staff, would bring more noise, parking problems and a potential rise in anti-social behaviour.
The authority’s planning officers have recommended the application by Nigar Toofany Jeewa is approved.
The planning report said: “Whilst objectors raise concerns in respect of anti-social behaviour, this matter very much hinges on the responsible management of the premises. West Midlands Police has raised no objection.
“Therefore, it is considered that through the imposition conditions pertaining to a management plan and a restrictive use, it would ensure that the proposal harmonises with its surroundings.”
In the same planning report, Sandwell Council said it had recently rejected similar proposals that would have seen children’s homes open in residential areas, only for the decision to be overturned after appeals.
Last year, Sandwell Council’s planners rejected moves in Dingle Street, Huskison Close and Barston Road in Olbury and Lee Street in West Bromwich with only the decision at a semi-detached home in Barston Road standing after being reviewed by the government’s planning inspectors. The plan for a residential home for up to three children and four staff was rejected due to parking concerns, and the government inspector agreed and dismissed the appeal.
Sandwell Council’s planning committee meets in Oldbury on January 8 to make a decision.