A proposal to turn a family home in an Olton street into a children's care home has been approved by a narrow vote despite West Midlands Police raising concerns.

As the Local Democracy Reporting Service reported earlier this year applicant Lutufur Rehman is behind the plan for the property in Birchmoor Close.

A planning statement included in the application, submitted to Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC) in January said: "The property is an end-terrace dwelling.

"The front of the property provides off-street parking for two vehicles, with additional visitor parking available to the side.

"The owner proposes a change of use to provide care accommodation for two children (aged five to 10-years-old).

"The children will be cared for on a 24-hour basis by a manager and care worker."

In a public consultation five residents submitted objections saying it was in an unsuitable location, would impact parking in Birchmoor Close and would have an impact on the character of the area.

And an objection was made by West Midlands Police raising concerns over the number of children's placements within Olton and that it could potentially add to significant demand when the area "has high crime, lots of anti-social behaviour and drug misuse".

At the meeting Olton ward councillor Michael Carthew, who had called in the application, said the close was a "small cul-de-sac".

"The residents should be obviously listened to," the councillor said.

"It is quite significant to have an objection from West Midlands Police."

Planning agent Hanif Ghumra on behalf of the applicant said: "It's a small scale children's residential home, its going to be for two little kids.

"The proposal is to provide a safe, stable and supportive home. It is designed to operate in a manner comparable to a family home."

In the debate, cllr James Bradley said: "I think this is the first time we have had West Midlands Police comment in respect of saying there are so many in a particular area."

But seeking legal advice, planning solicitor Arhamna Jafri said: "What they have objected on has no weight almost because its assuming what will happen in the future, it is not the evidence we have before us."

The solicitor said that if they refused and it went to appeal, it would be weak argument for a planning inspector to consider so would risk being a lost appeal.

"I strongly advise against this being the reason for appeal," the solicitor added.

Addressing residents' concerns cllr Yvonne Clements said: "When I visited this site I thought what a lovely family home it would be for some children.

"Whether its a children's home, a HMO, a private residence you don't know who is going to live there."

Cllr Simon Coles asked if the ages of the children mentioned by the applicant was a proposal or a planning condition that would have to follow.

Officer Mark Andrews, the council's head of planning, replied: "The age range is not specifically conditioned."

When the chairman moved to the vote there were five votes in favour with three against and one committee member abstaining.

The meeting was held at the Civic Suite on July 24.