Swimming lessons allowed to be run at Meriden pool after successful appeal

A business refused permission to run swimming lessons from a pool by Solihull Council is now allowed to do so again after a successful appeal. Laura’s Swim Academy and Dinky Divers had offered swimming lessons from the existing swimming pool building in the grounds of Four Oaks House in Back Lane, Meriden.

But in August last year applicant Steve Singh had to apply for retrospective permission to the change the use to commercial use after realising this was not allowed. He applied for the business to be able to run the lessons between 9am and 5.45pm on weekdays, stressed swimming lessons were staggered throughout those hours and - with each session being a maximum of six people - highlighted: “12 parking spaces provides sufficient capacity to avoid any overspill on the local highway network”.

The original application submitted to the authority said: “The proposed development would provide a community facility without adverse impact on the character of the area, neighbouring amenity, or the green belt.” But that September Solihull Councils planning officer refused permission. Its officers wrote: “The proposed development amounts to inappropriate development in the green belt.

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“It is likely the location of the application site will result in the development being car dominant - the application site is not considered to be in an inaccessible location. The proposed car park and overflow carpark facilities and access widening by reason of their scale, would impose a dramatic change to the character and appearance of the site causing additional urbanisation.”

An appeal against the refusal was then lodged with the government’s Planning Inspectorate by the applicant. And Inspector Emma Worley has now overturned the decision and given the green light.

On October 10 a decision was published which said: “I find that there would be adequate visibility for the drivers of vehicles leaving the site and consequently the commercial use of the swimming pool would not be harmful to highway safety. The number of visitors and staff using the swimming pool at any one time is likely to be limited.

“As such, the use of the land for the parking of vehicles would not have a significant effect on the spacious character of the site. While the use of the swimming pool is not exclusively limited to those with special needs, it would offer benefits in terms of the provision of swimming lessons, including an environment suitable for individuals with specific needs.

“The development does not constitute inappropriate development in the green belt.” The inspector’s letter and original application can be found by searching for application PL/2023/01622/PPFL at https://publicaccess.solihull.gov.uk/online-applications.