Children's care home at Tray Ash Farm Barn, Tarbock Green

“This application proposes the material change of use of the property from C3 (dwellinghouse) to C2 (provision of residential accommodation and care to people in need of care) for a maximum of 4no. children. The care home would also have up to 4 staff. At least two staff members would sleep overnight at the premises.”

“There are no external alterations proposed to the property.”

“The application site is a large, detached dwelling located at Tray Ash Farm on Ash Lane, Tarbock Green. The site is situated in the Green Belt and consists of a variety of buildings. The dwelling lies in the centre of the site and has been converted from a barn building into residential accommodation. The dwelling includes five bedrooms, multiple reception rooms and a generous open-plan living area.”

“The building to the east (situated on the same site) is also currently used as a children’s care home for a maximum of 4no. children (approved under planning reference 24/00055/FUL). To the west of the site are various agricultural buildings. The remainder of the site is a mixture of hardstanding (including the site access) and a grassed area that includes a pond to the south of the dwelling.”

“24/00055/FUL - Material change of use of property from C3 (dwelling house to C2 (provision of residential accommodation and care to people in need of care). Approved 12 July 2024. – This application is situated within the wider blue line area of the application site.”

“23/02794/CLD – Lawful development certificate for proposed use of residential dwelling as a children’s home for a maximum of 4no. children. Refused 24 January 2024.”

“The proposed development is acceptable in principle and would not cause unacceptable harm in relation to residential amenity, highway safety, the character of the area and crime and anti-social behaviour.”

“That Members delegate authority to the Head of Planning & Building Control to grant planning permission subject to the conditions set out in the attached schedule.”

“The objections raise concerns across several key themes:”

“Fears of anti-social behaviour, crime and substance misuse. • Concerns about children absconding and increased emergency service presence. • Worries about proximity to schools, nurseries and vulnerable groups. • If incident where to occur requiring attendance of the police, Cheshire Police would not be responsible for attending and would be Merseyside Police that would have to attend - could cause delays in response times.”

“Local Highway Authority (Knowsley Council) – No objections, subject to condition regarding cycle parking.”

“Merseyside Police Architectural Liaison Officer – No objections. Should the applicant require any support regarding home security (particularly in reference to the specifications of door sets / windows / CCTV / alarm systems) the liaison officer is happy to discuss this directly with the provider.”

“The Committee considered the report of the Executive Director (Place) on the above application for planning permission.”

“RESOLVED – That the application be granted 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.”