Family assessment centre at 23 Yoxall Drive, Tower Hill, Knowsley

What was proposed

The application sought to house up to two families in an assessment centre and convert the detached garage into an ancillary office.

“CHANGE OF EXISTING USE FROM A DWELLING (USE CLASS C3) TO A FAMILY ASSESSMENT CENTRE (USE CLASS C2) FOR A MAXIMUM OF TWO FAMILIES TOGETHER WITH THE CONVERSION OF EXISTING DETACHED GARAGE TO FORM AN OFFICE ANCILLARY TO THE FAMILY ASSESSMENT CENTRE”

“This application proposes a change of use of an existing residential dwelling (Use Class C3) to a family assessment centre for a maximum of two families together with the conversion of existing detached garage to form an office ancillary to the family assessment centre.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is a detached dwelling on a modern residential estate, with homes around it, a garage, gardens and front hardstanding.

“The application site is a rectangular shaped site, located in a modern housing estate on Yoxhall Drive. The site contains a property which is a two storey detached dwelling. The Council has confirmed that the use of the building as a family assessment centre for one family consisting of consisting of 1 parent and 1 child, up to two care staff plus a manger would not require planning permission.”

“There is an existing rear conservatory and a detached garage, a small garden area and hardstanding at the front of the site and a rectangular shaped garden at the rear.”

Officer report

Earlier permission

A 2025 certificate confirmed that the property could operate as a family assessment centre for one family without further planning permission.

“25/00290/CLD - CERTIFICATE OF LAWFULNESS FOR RESIDENTIAL DWELLING (USE CLASS C3) TO A FAMILY ASSESSMENT CENTRE (USE CLASS C2) FOR A MAXIMUM OF ONE FAMILY (1 FAMILY EQUATES TO 1 PARENT AND CHILD). Granted - 17.06.2025”

Officer report

What consultees said

Children’s Services and Environmental Health did not object, while the highways authority did not object subject to cycle parking and an informative.

“Children’s Services (Commissioning) – No objection.”

“Local Highway Authority (Knowsley Council) – No objection subject to a cycle parking condition and an informative.”

Officer report

What residents said

Twenty-two objections raised concerns about parking, traffic, noise, privacy, character, crime, safeguarding, property values and precedent.

“Lack of parking spaces. • Additional traffic impacts. • The site is not suitable for a children’s home. • Potential for crime and anti-social behaviour. • Increased noise and activity. • Impact on residential amenity and character of the area. • The proposal will reduce house prices.”

“Contrary to character of area. • Harm to residential amenity, through noise and privacy. • Lack of parking/ narrow access roads. • Loss of property values. • Approval could set a precedent /Cumulative impact. • Would consider challenging the decision via Judicial Review if approved. • Safeguarding concerns for children nearby…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant made a verbal representation supporting the application during the committee’s three-minute speaking period.

The committee decision

The committee granted delegated authority to approve the application subject to the listed conditions or suitable amended conditions.

“(1) the report of the Executive Director (Place) on the above application for planning permission;”

“RESOLVED – That delegated authority be granted to the Head of Planning & Building Control to grant planning permission subject to the conditions set out in the attached schedule, or such additional or amended conditions that the Head of Planning & Building Control in consultation with the Chair of Planning Committee considers appropriate.”

Minutes