Solihull residents object to flats for people with learning difficulties

Flats for people with learning difficulties look set for approval despite more than 40 objections. Residents living near the proposed development in Victor Road, Elmdon, have raised concerns the scheme would be overdevelopment and cause a rise in anti-social behaviour.

But in a report to Solihull councillors ahead of a planning meeting where a decision will be made, officers say they are “firmly in favour” of approval as it would not be harmful to the character of the area, residential amenity, or highway safety. The application from Heera Builder is to convert a house into four self-contained flats with two-storey side and single-storey rear extensions.

The applicant says the flats would be for young adults with minor difficulties with some support “as and when required” to provide lessons on how to deal with day-to-day life. The 46 objections from residents include:

• Out of character

• Not the area for this type of use of the property: it is an established family neighbourhood, which would set a precedent

• Increased noise/smells and disturbance

• Parking issues

• Potential of driveways being blocked

• Pedestrian safety especially during school hours

• Increase in litter/not enough bins

• Potential for future house of multiple occupancy (HMO)

• Loss of privacy/overlooking

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But officers write: “The proposal is considered acceptable in terms of size and design. The proposal does not have a detrimental impact on the amenities of the adjacent neighbours.

"It does not have an undue effect upon the character of the host dwelling or the area generally and does not have a detrimental impact on public highway safety.” Officers recommend it is approved subject to conditions.

The application will go before the next meeting of Solihull Council ’s planning committee on Wednesday, June 12. The meeting, at the Civic Suite, is open to the public and starts at 6pm.

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