A CONTROVERSIAL plan to demolish a business centre in Hollywood to make way for a new 65-bedroom care home has been approved after an appeal.
A planning application for a purpose-built, three-storey, 65-bedroom residential care home with associated access, parking and landscaping for older people, was previously submitted to Bromsgrove District Council last year.
But the authority refused planning permission in August 2025, stating there was inadequate safe access to the site and, given the expected elderly and vulnerable occupants, there was no emergency plan.
Another reason stated was the inappropriate scale, mass and visual appearance of the development not being in keeping with the area.
Residents and councillors also hit out saying, because of the historic flooding of May Lane and the adjacent brook, the development would increase the flood risk to the houses on the road.
The developer appealed to the Planning Inspectorate who has now approved the decision.
The inspector, Mr Bromley, said the Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) carried out concluded the proposed development would not increase flood risk elsewhere.
He said: “In addition, with detailed hydraulic modelling, the FRA establishes that, subject to the finished floor level of the building being 300mm above the estimated flood levels, the proposed building would not be at risk of flooding.”
The Flood Management Plan (FMP) prepared by the applicant said during a flood event the future residents could remain in the building.
However, in instances of a medical emergency, when May Lane and the site access are flooded, alternative arrangements for the safe access and egress of staff and possible emergency services would be necessary.
Coun Derek Forsyth, Wythall Parish councillor for Hollywood ward, labelled the approval a ‘terrible decision’.
“It is hard to see how the developer intends to prevent flooding on May Lane.
If anything it will get worse as the existing site currently acts as a soak away but this will be built on and covered in tarmac for a car park meaning surface water will add to the flooding.
“This is how it’s going to be from now on – councillors and residents put forward genuine reasons why this care home should not be built but along comes the government inspector and gives it his approval.”
