Care home plan rejected over crime and disorder fears

Proposals had been submitted for an extension and change of use of Laurels Court in Stechford, which would have turned it from a care home into supported living accommodation.

However, Birmingham City Council’s planning committee at their meeting on Thursday rejected the proposals after scores of residents objected due to the impact of the home on the local area.

Back in January, a decision on the application was deferred for further information regarding the management of the premises, after local residents complained about ‘an enormous amount of violent language’ as well as ‘anti-Muslim’ shouting and attacks on Laurels Court staff.

And the updated report presented to planning committee recommended rejecting the application, confirming that police had received reports of a number of serious incidents including multiple assaults, thefts and harassment.

The report stated: “The evidence clearly demonstrates associated issues of the lack of management of the premises which does not provide adequate reassurance that the development would not adversely affect the amenities of occupiers of adjoining dwellings by reason of noise and general disturbance, crime and disorder, and the fear of crime, which undermine the quality of life or community cohesion and resilience."

During the meeting it was revealed that the applicant had sought to defer the application in order to solve some of the issues identified by residents, with a proposal for a meeting with local residents and the planning authority.

However this was rejected by the council, with evidence that issues at the property have continued even since the deferral in January.

A council officer said: “The management plan, together with the structure, was provided by the applicant in March, and is explained in more detail in the report.

“Since the original report a management plan was presented and received, and there have been numerous updates and further commentary received in respect to further anti-social behaviour and regular police attendance at the property.

“This has involved matters related to assault, theft, harassment and also bad and abusive language being aimed at local residents. The local planning authority has now duly been made aware of ongoing and what appears to be escalating issues from the premises, and has considered these comments in light of the report.

“Members will know and be aware that the original police comments were directed only toward the design and layout. Now further comments have been requested, information regarding attendance at the property and the recording of crime has been confirmed.

“The police service have expressed their ongoing concern at these events and associated impact on emergency services. The local planning authority are aware of the request to committee of deferral by the applicant, as highlighted earlier. However in light of the current situation and further representation from residents, the local planning authority remains unsatisfied.”