Agenda item

Report No: DEV/WS/23/031

Planning application - change of use from residential (C3) to residential children's home (C2)

Planning application - change of use from residential (C3) to residential children's home (C2)

This application was originally referred to the Development Control Committee on 6 September 2023 following consideration by the Delegation Panel.

At the September meeting the Committee resolved that it was ‘minded to refuse’ the application based on the adverse impacts upon amenity arising from the modest extent of outdoor amenity space at the property, and on the basis of the impacts upon highway safety.

Accordingly, the Decision Making Protocol was invoked, requiring a risk assessment to be produced which set out the potential risks that might arise should planning permission be approved contrary to Officer recommendation.

A Member site visit was held prior to the September meeting.

Attention was drawn to the supplementary ‘late paper’ that was issued after publication of the agenda and which set out clarification in respect of the red line of the application site.

The Planning Officer also advised Members that one further neighbour objection had been received since the late papers were issued; which largely reiterated the points/comments raised in previous representations.

A letter had also been received from the owners of the property; who explained the current number of vehicles accommodated at the premises and highlighted the fact that a number of children had grown up in the household.

Lastly, it was highlighted to the meeting that the premises could operate as a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) for up to six residents without planning permission being required.

Officers were continuing to recommend that planning permission be granted, subject to the conditions set out in Paragraph 37 of Report No DEV/WS/23/031.

Speaker:      John Edwards (neighbouring resident objector, speaking on behalf of himself and other fellow residents in Tasman Road) spoke against the application

Jo Capuano (applicant) spoke in support of the application

                   (Ms Capuano was not present at the meeting in order to address the Committee, instead the Democratic Services Officer read out a pre-prepared statement on her behalf)

Some questions were posed on the operation of the proposed children’s home and if the occupants would be from the local area. The Service Manager (Planning – Development) explained that this was not a Material Planning Consideration and did not form part of the application before the Committee.

Councillor David Smith referenced the importance and the benefits of inter-generational contact.

Councillor Rachel Hood drew attention to the number of resident concerns and the views of the Town Council and Ward Member; in light of which she stated that she would abstain from the vote on this item.

Councillor Sara Mildmay-White proposed that the application be approved, as per the Officer recommendation. This was duly seconded by Councillor Carol Bull.

Upon being put to the vote and with 11 voting for the motion, 2 against and with 3 abstentions it was resolved that

Decision

Planning permission be GRANTED subject to the following conditions:

1.   Time limit

The development hereby permitted shall be commenced no later than 3 years from the date of this permission.

2.   Compliance with plans

The development hereby permitted shall not be carried out except in complete accordance with the details shown on the approved plans and documents.

3.   Parking and manoeuvring

The use shall not commence until the area(s) within the site shown on Drawing No. Drawing No. PA103 for the purposes of manoeuvring and parking of vehicles has been provided and thereafter that area(s) shall be retained and used for no other purposes.

4.   Cycle storage

Prior to the first use of the dwelling as a children’s home, details of the areas to be provided for the secure, covered and lit cycle storage shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The approved scheme shall be carried out in its entirety before the development is brought into use and shall be retained thereafter and used for no other purpose.

5.   EV charging

Prior to the first use of the dwelling as a children’s home, details of electric vehicle charging infrastructure shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The approved scheme shall be carried out in its entirety before the development is brought into use and shall be retained thereafter and used for no other purpose.

6.   Refuse/recycling bins

Prior to the first use of the dwelling as a children’s home, details of the areas to be provided for the presentation of refuse and recycling bins shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The approved scheme shall be carried out in its entirety before the development is brought into use and shall be retained thereafter for no other purpose.

7.   Number of children

At no time shall more than four children be in residence at the premises. 

8.   Staff members

At no time shall more than three members of staff be present at the site.