Solihull planners have refused permission for a three bedroom Castle Bromwich property to be turned into a care home for children.

Applicant Junaid Butt applied to Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC) for a certificate of lawful development to change the use of the home in Relient Close near Castlewood School into a care home for two children.

In a statement included in the application, which was submitted to SMBC in February, the applicant says the home would have a maximum of two children aged between seven and 17-years-old.

"Each child will be supported by a support worker on a one-to-one basis which means there will be a maximum of two staff members on shift at any time," the statement says.

"Two bedrooms will be used by children, there will be no staff living at the property, but two staff members will be on duty at night to respond to the needs of children.

"Children who will be looked after at this property are identified by the local authority as in need of a residential placement for various reasons.

"It is considered there would be no material change to the living conditions of occupiers within neighbouring properties because of the change of use.

"We consider the proposed use is an acceptable use within this residential area – we trust therefore that this application will be supported and approved."

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If the certificate had been approved it would have confirmed it is lawful for planning purposes and protect against future enforcement action.

But on August 28 officer Mark Andrews, the authority's head of planning, design and engagement services, issued a decision notice refusing to certify the legality of the application.

The officer wrote: "Whilst supporting information has been submitted regarding the proposed operation of the premises, insufficient evidence has been provided regarding the detailed operational characteristics of the use and the manner in which the occupants would function as a single household where care is provided for residents.

"The local planning authority is therefore not satisfied that the proposal would not constitute a material change of use requiring planning permission."

The refusal means the applicant would now have to apply for full planning permission if they still want to go-ahead with the plan.

The council's planning portal shows no application has yet been submitted.

To read the decision in full click here.