Decision delayed after row over Great Barr children’s home plans

The move would see the home in Poolehouse Road, Great Barr, near the M6 on the edge of the Black Country and Birmingham border, converted into a residential home for two children with emotional and behavioural difficulties.

A total of 53 objections were registered with Sandwell Council ahead of its planning meeting on January 8 with councillors voting to visit the three-bed home before making a final ruling.

The objectors said converting the house into a children’s home for two children, and up to three staff, would bring more noise, parking problems and a potential rise in anti-social behaviour.

One objector said his daughter had recently moved into the area from Cannock having experienced difficulties with their neighbours and her young family would be disturbed by the noise. He added that his son-in-law worked nights and the council should not be prioritising profit over the concerns of residents.

One of the applicants Safwaan Jeewa said he “would not entertain” accusations he was only making the move for “financial gain” adding that he was doing it “to help others.”

“It stems a lot deeper than that,” he said.

“We want to help children that have educational and emotional difficulties. It’s something personal to me.”

Fellow applicant Nigar Toofany Jeewa said she was open to hear any concerns from neighbours. “We want to be able to give these children a warm and friendly home,” she said.

Cllr Connor Horton said if the plan was approved the “prolonged conflict” between neighbours and the residential home “would not be good for the children.” He called for a visit to Poolehouse Road before making a decision which was backed by the committee.

Sandwell Council’s planners had recommended the application be approved. The council said it had recently rejected similar proposals that would have seen children’s homes open in residential areas only for the decision to be overturned after appeals.

Last year, Sandwell Council’s planners rejected moves in Dingle Street, Huskison Close and Barston Road in Olbury and Lee Street in West Bromwich with only the decision at a semi-detached home in Barston Road standing after being reviewed by the government’s planning inspectors. The plan for a residential home for up to three children and four staff was rejected over parking concerns and the government inspector agreed and dismissed the appeal.