Children's home condition change at 16 Bradshaws Lane, Ainsdale

“Date of Meeting: 11th March 2026 Subject: DC/2026/00047 16 Bradshaws Lane Ainsdale PR8 3LQ Proposal: Variation of condition 5 pursuant to planning permission DC/2025/00095 approved on 05.06.2025 to allow limited flexibility to accommodate children from neighbouring authorities.”

“The proposal seeks to vary condition 5 of planning approval DC/2025/00095, which was approved by members of the Planning Committee on 4 th June 2025 for the change of use of the premises to a children’s home for up to 2 children.”

“The application relates to a two-storey semi-detached property located on the north east side of Bradshaws Lane, Ainsdale. The surrounding area consists primarily of residential properties, while to the west of the site is Southport and Ainsdale Golf Club. To the side of the application site is a path that leads to other residential properties and Ainsdale Village Park.”

“Planning permission was granted for the use of the premises as a residential children's home (Class C2) for up to 2 children by planning committee in June 2025, under application DC/2025/00095.”

“A subsequent application to approve details reserved by condition relating to sound insulation was approved under application DC/2025/00958 in August 2025.”

“In relation to comments received from neighbouring properties, the proposed use of the premises would not change, this has previously been considered an appropriate use for the site. The impacts of the change have also been considered which are a key issue in the determination of the application and it is considered this change would not impact on the living conditions of neighbouring properties or to the character and appearance of the area.”

“It is considered that the proposed change to condition 5 attached to application DC/2025/00095, would be a minor change to the previously approved permission. The change would not give rise to concerns associated with the impact on living conditions of neighbouring residents and would be acceptable in all other regards. A further condition can be attached to restrict the number of children within the premises to two, which would be in line with the previous approval.”

“- Restriction added to mitigate out of area use, increased disturbance, varying would negate this safeguard - Potential impact on residential amenity, character of area, out of town placements would likely increase long distance visitor traffic, heightening noise, disturbance and parking pressures.”

“- Planning should remain as is, to benefit children from the Sefton area only - Children should be kept close to home, this change does not comply with duties to promote child welfare and maintain family contacts - Fails to demonstrate how variation meets tests for varying condition under Section 73 of the Town and Country Planning Act…”

“2) The use hereby approved shall not commence until a statement of purpose which has taken into account Sefton's specified needs within children's homes and how the provider will keep Sefton Children's services up to date regarding vacancies for children has been submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority.”

“4) The hereby approved use shall be used for a maximum of two children.”

“Further to Minute No. 5 of 4 June 2025, the Committee considered the report of the Chief Planning Officer recommending that the above application for the variation of condition 5 pursuant to planning permission DC/2025/00095 approved on 05.06.2025 to allow limited flexibility to accommodate children from neighbouring authorities be granted subject to the conditions and for the reasons stated or referred to in the report.”

“That the recommendation be approved and the application be granted subject to the conditions and for the reasons stated or referred to in the report.”