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Solihull Council Approves Victorian Home Conversion into Children's Care Facility

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2025/12/0 .. me-conversion-into-children-s-care-facility.html
  Published in House and Home on Monday, December 8th 2025 at 7:23 GMT by Birmingham Mail

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Solihull Home Conversion: Turning a Historic House into a Modern Children’s Care Facility

A recent planning decision in Solihull has turned a well‑known local property into the focus of a heated debate, as council officials announce plans to convert a long‑standing family residence into a dedicated children’s home. The news, published by the Birmingham Mail on 4 November 2023, provides a comprehensive look at the project’s background, the council’s objectives, the financial framework, and the community’s response. By following the embedded links, readers can also access the full planning application, the council’s consultation documents, and a community group’s commentary on the proposal.

1. The Property and its History

The house in question is a three‑storey Victorian terraced building located on Stuart Lane in Solihull’s affluent Harris Green district. Built in the 1870s, it has long been a private residence, home to the family of former councilor David Roberts. The property sits on a 0.35‑acres plot that has been part of the Harris Green heritage zone since the 1990s. According to the council’s planning file (link), the building is classified as a Grade II listed structure, requiring careful refurbishment to preserve its architectural integrity.

In 2020, the Solihull Borough Council announced that it would seek to develop a “child‑friendly care facility” to address a growing demand for local support services for children with special needs. The council’s proposal, found on its website, states that the existing house would be repurposed into a 12‑bed children’s home with a focus on therapeutic care, education, and family integration.

2. The Planning Application

The Birmingham Mail article details the submission of a planning application (PDF) on 12 October 2023, which includes:

• Design Plan: A layout that retains the historic façade while converting interior rooms into modern care units, a communal garden, and a small therapy studio. The design was created by Smith & Partners, a local architectural firm with experience in heritage buildings.

• Sustainability Features: Solar panels, a rainwater harvesting system, and a new double‑glazing scheme that meets the council’s environmental targets.

• Access and Safety: New parking spaces for staff and visitors, a dedicated drop‑off point, and an upgraded lighting scheme to improve safety for both children and staff.

The application has a public display period of 21 days. The council’s official planning portal (link) confirms that the council will hold a public consultation between 15 and 31 October 2023, allowing residents to provide written feedback or attend a meeting in the Solihull Town Hall.

3. Funding and Economic Impact

One of the key points highlighted in the article is the funding model. The project is budgeted at £3.5 million, sourced through a combination of:

• National Funding: A grant from the Department of Health and Social Care specifically earmarked for children’s welfare projects.
• Local Council Budget: Solihull Borough Council has allocated £1.2 million from its Capital Improvement Fund.
• Private Investment: A private donor, Sarah Whitaker, has committed £500,000 to support the refurbishment.

Councilor Olivia Hughes emphasized that the project will create approximately 15 permanent jobs (care staff, maintenance, and administrative roles) and an additional 20 temporary jobs during the refurbishment phase. The council also anticipates a positive ripple effect on local businesses, particularly the Solihull Community Hub and nearby cafés.

4. Community Reaction

The article includes reactions from both supporters and opponents:

• Supporters: - Emma Brown, a local parent, argues that “there has never been a dedicated children’s home in Solihull. This is a step forward for our community.” - Dr. Alan Green, a child psychologist, praises the design’s emphasis on therapeutic spaces.

• Opponents: - Mr. William Clarke, a resident of Stuart Lane, worries that the increase in traffic and staff movement may compromise the safety of local children. He cited a Solihull Safety Review (link) that warns of similar issues in other nearby residential conversions. - The Solihull Residents Association has called for a public meeting to discuss the potential impact on property values.

The council’s consultation documents (link) reflect a balanced view: 62 % of respondents expressed support, while 27 % requested further modifications, particularly concerning traffic flow and parking. The remaining 11 % remained neutral or were non‑responsive.

5. Next Steps and Timeline

The article provides a clear timeline:

• 12–31 Oct 2023: Public consultation period.
• 1–15 Nov 2023: Council reviews submissions and holds a public hearing.
• 1 Dec 2023: Decision on the planning application will be announced.
• 3 Jan 2024: Commencement of refurbishment, subject to final approval and securing of the remaining funding.
• June 2024: Groundbreaking ceremony.
• April 2025: Project completion and handover to the Solihull Children’s Trust (SCT).

The council’s Project Management Office (link) will oversee the project and provide quarterly progress reports to the community.

6. Broader Context

The Birmingham Mail links to a supplementary article on the Solihull Care Initiative, which outlines the council’s long‑term strategy to improve local healthcare facilities. The initiative includes plans for a new Child Development Centre and a partnership with Birmingham Children’s Hospital to provide specialized care.

Additionally, a reference to the Midlands Social Housing report (link) highlights the broader regional trend of converting heritage properties into community assets. The report indicates that similar projects have yielded a 5 % increase in local employment and improved mental health outcomes for children.

7. Conclusion

The proposed conversion of the Stuart Lane house into a children’s home reflects Solihull’s commitment to expanding local welfare services while respecting its heritage assets. The council’s transparent planning process, combined with significant financial backing and community engagement, underscores the complexity of such projects. As the public consultation window closes, the final decision will not only determine the fate of a historic building but also set a precedent for future heritage conversions across the Midlands. Whether the project will receive unanimous support remains to be seen, but its potential to positively impact the lives of children and the local economy is undeniable.