Solihull: Plan for 'luxury boutique' hotel to become children's care home

People can have their say on a plan to convert a four star hotel in Bickenhill into a children’s care home.

The proposal for the “luxury boutique” Arden House Hotel in Maple Leaf Drive has been submitted to Solihull Council.

Visitors can currently book rooms from around £50 a night at the hotel described as a “luxury boutique”.

Applicant Mr Choudary has submitted the application which applied for a change of use of the location from a C1 class (hotels) to C2 (residential institution) in July.

The plans submitted show converting the hotel rooms into children and staff bedrooms. The applicant’s plans are for a kitchen, dining room, office and a reception/lounge on the ground floor; four bedrooms for children with en-suites as well as a staff room on the first floor.

The application is a resubmission, the plans having previously gained planning permission in 2018. However planning permission expired in March 2021 with the site continuing to be used as a hotel since.

A consultation is now under way running until October 8. Anyone wanting to comment on the proposal can do so by visiting publicaccess.solihull.gov.uk and searching for application PL/2024/01304/COU.

It is currently unclear if a final decision will be made by planning officers or if it will be called in by a councillor for determination by Solihull Council’s planning committee.

The current hotel promotes itself on its proximity to Birmingham Airport and the NEC. It has six traditional rooms – each inspired by a Shakespeare character – and an “oak-panelled library lounge”.