CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a care home in Shirley looked set to be given the green light by Solihull planning committee.
Planning chiefs were due to decide the fate on the planning application to demolish the former Morrisons store on Stratford Road, which closed in 2019, and build a new multi-storey scheme in its place.
Developers, Macc Care Group want to build a seven-storey building which will feature 111 residential apartments and an 84 bed care home facility if the scheme is given the green light.
There are also plans for a 130-space car park and onsite gym, salon and restaurant.
Campaigners have spoken of their fears of added pressure on Shirley’s health service if the plans were approved.
Documents released ahead of the meeting revealed the recommendation to Councillors was for planning approval to be given subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement – a legal agreement ensuring developers contribute towards any necessary supportive infrastructure for instance widening of roads.
But it seems two petitions with more than 1,000 signatures and six objection letters which have been handed to the council ahead of the meeting in an effort to demonstrate the level of opposition against the application won’t prevent the plans from going ahead.
Councillors Mark Parker, Annette Mackenzie and Karen Grinsell set up a petition calling for the application from Macc Care Group to be thrown out.
They said: “Your Shirley East Councillors are concerned that the proposals for yet another care home in Shirley will put pressure on local health services in the area.
“While we welcome the opportunity to redevelop a redundant site we are alarmed and concerned at the proposals to build a seven floor block.
“The height of the proposed building will be the highest at the southern end of Shirley and it will be out of kilter with other building frontages.
“It will dominate the skyline around suburban roads such as Sutherland Avenue, Solihull Road, Longmore Road, Wayfield Road and others.”
