A PLAN has been lodged to convert a family house in Hollywood into a residential care home for children.
The proposed children’s home would be located at 135 Shawhurts Lane, in Hollywood, built by Anjum Design LTD in Shirley.
The proposed development would use the existing layout of this four bedroom end terrace house, providing living accommodation at ground floor and sleeping accommodation on the first floor.
There will be a maximum of 3 children living in the property at any time, with children aged 8 to 18 years who are in the care system because of safeguarding issues.
Mr and Mrs Morgan live in the property attached to 135, and say the change of use plans are concerning.
The couple have lived in at the address for 77 years, and have formally objected to the plans on Bromsgrove Diststrict council’s planning portal.
The said: “I understand the subject of a children’s home is an extremely emotive one, I know children need somewhere to live and a chance of a safe and suitable environment.
“I do not feel this property meets these requirements . It is on a busy road and the property is semi detached and this road is already saturated in schools, community centres, and various other elderly residential properties, can it really take anymore?”
Mr Morgan is worried the proposed children home is going to affect house values in the village.
“How will this also affect my house insurance as my property is now directly linked to this children’s home?
“It is our strong opinion that 135 Shawhurst Lane should remain a residential property which it has been for 77 years.
“There are plenty of other areas more suitable, as a residential property families can make use of the amenities around.
Coun Derek Forsythe has requested a Call-In Notice, to give the Bromsgrove District Council planning committee the opportunity to approve or reject this application.
Wythall Parish Council have said they do not object from a planning point of view, although note the concerns of some local residents about the unknown quantity that this change of use may represent.
“We’re aware of the fear of a potential increase in problems such as anti-social behaviour due to the unknown background of the children.
“We are mindful of a sizeable elderly population living close by and would welcome any more information being made available to allay these concerns.”