Council decision on children's homes in Dudley overruled
A scheme for two children’s homes in Dudley has been approved on appeal after it was rejected by council planners.
A pair of neighbouring properties in New Rowley Road had been refused permission for a change of use to residential care homes by Dudley Council in December 2024.
The decision was challenged by Indigo Architects on behalf of New Pathways Support Services who argued more care homes for children are needed in the borough and the change of use would not be out of character with the area, as the council had concluded.
In allowing an appeal against the council’s ruling, the Planning Inspectorate said: “With no external alterations proposed, each property would retain their appearance as residential dwellings within the street scene.
“Likewise, the existing parking arrangements on the frontage of each property would also remain the same.
“While vehicle movements and activity on the site frontage, particularly during the two staff change over times would be busy periods, the comings and goings of two family homes would also be busy during certain times of the day.
“Additionally, in a residential street such as this, the other properties on the street are likely to have associated trips, particularly at certain times of the day, as occupiers travel to work and school.”
In their submission for the appeal, Indigo Architects highlighted government statistics which show around half of Dudley’s children in need of residential care were placed outside the borough due to a lack of facilities.
The Planning Inspectorate found there is a need for more provision in the borough and also that there was no substantial evidence the homes would add to crime in the area which would put extra demands on police.
Indigo Architects said: “Fear of crime is borne out of prejudice with most of the police attendance at residential care homes for the young relating to absconsion issues and not criminal matters.”
