Application to turn Castle Bromwich building into 150-place nursery

PROPOSALS: Plans have been submitted for The Coach
House, in Castle Bromwich - which currently lies empty

PLANS have been announced to convert a historic building into a nursery, which would cater for 150 youngsters.

The application to open the childcare facility at the 18th century Coach House, part of Castle Bromwich Hall Estate, was submitted to Solihull Council last month.

An outdoor play area and 31 car parking spaces would be created at the site, which sits in the middle of the village’s conservation area.

In a statement submitted along with the application, the applicants said that any changes would be sympathetic to the red brick building, which was Grade II-listed in the 1980s.

However, some residents have expressed concerns that opening the nursery in Old Birmingham Road, a short cul-de-sac, could create traffic problems in the area.

The applicant has attempted to allay these fears in a travel plan, saying that parents and the 41 members-of-staff would be encouraged to use public transport where possible.

The application follows the redevelopment of the adjacent Castle Bromwich Hall almost three years ago – the manor house was restored and opened as a hotel after being empty for a number of years.

The plans are likely to be considered by councillors later this year.