Neighbours have lost their battle to try and stop a former Balsall Common guest house becoming temporary accommodation for homeless people.

Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council's planning committee this week gave retrospective permission for The Hollies on Kenilworth Road to become a 13-bed HMO, despite objections from locals and the parish council.

Councillors had deferred the decision on Solihull Supported Housing's application in December, saying more information was needed on how residents would travel to and from the home.

But following a site visit, members were satisfied the development - which has been given permission to operate for two years - was suitable.

"I have no hesitation in supporting this," said Cllr Maggie Allen. 

"We have a dire need for this sort of accommodation for homeless people. 

"And if we refuse this application, what will happen to the residents who are there now? 

"Are we just going to throw them back onto the street?"

Permission was also given for Solihull Supported Housing to operate the home, meaning it could not be sold on.

The committee - which said a management plan for the home must be submitted - heard residents are referred to the home, and are shown around the facility to make sure it is suitable for them, before moving in. A social worker then visits twice per week to offer signposting and help finding permanent accommodation.

Members also heard from Hollies resident Wayne Fletcher who became homeless after the break up of his 15 year marriage and the deaths of his parents saw him turn to drugs to cope. 

"The support helped me get back on track," he told the committee. 

"During my time at The Hollies my 15-year-old daughter was tragically killed in a road traffic accident, but without the support of the team at The Hollies I could have been much worse. 

"The support has been instrumental in my rehabilitation and my mental health. 

"The Hollies provides the perfect environment for me, it has helped me rebuild my life."

But there was not universal support for the change of use, with Berkswell Parish Council backing the five locals who objected to the application.

"This is not a suitable or a sustainable location for an HMO," the council said.

"Neighbours do report a significant amount of unacceptable behaviour from residents. 

"We have concern that if granted, the associated conditions will not be complied with and not enforced. 

"This is a retrospective application because the site has operated as an HMO despite a previous application being refused. 

"This is a serious undermining of the planning system." 

The application was approved with seven votes in favour and one abstention.