The conversion of a nursery into a children's home in Olton has been given the green light following criticism of an objection from West Midlands Police.

Applicant Shaheen Akhtar's proposal to transform Bright Swans Day Nursery in Ulverley Green Road went before the latest meeting of Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council's (SMBC) planning committee.

Councillors heard the plan was for it to become home for three children aged between five and 17-years-old receiving round the clock care from two staff members and a registered manager.

In a planning statement included in the application planning agents Anjum Design Ltd had said: "The proposed use results in a substantial and demonstrable reduction in activity, vehicle movements, noise, and impact on the surrounding residential area compared to the existing day nursery use.

"No external alterations are proposed; the property will retain its existing appearance.

"The loss of the existing nursery is offset by the provision of a more pressing and equally important community use."

But 10 residents lodged their objections with the authority in a consultation and ward councillors James Johnson and Michael Carthew were also opposed to the conversion.

In the public speaking section Cllr Johnson said: "Whilst we don't need another children's home in Olton, what we do need are nurseries.

"Our council has been monitoring and there is a clear severe pressure and a notable reduction in registered spaces in wards in our borough but specifically Olton. That's a real concern.

"36 to 40 children were at this nursery and that is going to be all gone and that's a shame to say the least."

The councillor then highlighted an objection from West Midlands Police which said: "The potential residents of the property will be vulnerable to unlawful activities and influences, and this creates a safeguarding concern."

Police had also said a similar home nearby generates "many police call outs" and the proposal "has the potential to cause nuisance to neighbours".

In the debate planning committee chairman Cllr Bob Grinsell said: "Its current usage, the fact we are losing a children's nursery is not a material planning matter. We cannot take that into the equation."

Cllr James Bradley said: "It is different to ones we have considered before in that it's not a residential home changing to a children's home, it's a commercial facility serving children changing into a children's home.

"In some ways it almost feels like it might be more in keeping with the character of the street than its current use, purely because it would be more like a residential home rather than a commercial site.

"This would blend in more."

Cllr Adrian Stefanovici and Cllr Chris Whelan raised the police objection but that led the chairman to say: "I can't see how the police can have intelligence about the children before we know who the children are going to be.

"It's crystal ball gazing as far as I can see."

Cllr Whelan added: "I understand the police comments but I don't think it is very helpful.

"It is an assumption."

When the vote was held councillors voted unanimously to approve the application at the meeting held at the Civic Suite on October 7.