Supported living accommodation at Ermin Hall, Gloucester

What was proposed

The application sought to let the permitted supported-living units be operated by the applicant or another similar registered social housing provider.

“Proposal: Variation of Condition 3 of planning permission 25/00492/COU to allow the permitted units to be operated as supported living accommodation by either Cheltenham YMCA or by another similar Registered Provider of Social Housing for similar purposes.”

“Condition 3 The use hereby permitted shall only be operated by Cheltenham YMCA or by a Registered Provider of Social Housing for similar purposes for those residents that meet the eligibility criteria for supported living as set out in the Condition 6 Approved Management Plan.”

Officer report

The site and approved use

The site is a building on Denmark Road, previously approved for conversion from student accommodation to 49 supported-living residential units.

“The site is situated on the north side of Denmark Road just to the east of its junction with Kingsholm Road. The building is an elongated L-shape in footprint, with the long edge of the building facing onto Denmark Road at 3 full storeys plus accommodation in the roof space above. This rises to 4 full storeys at the east end where the building has a shorter return section extending northwards.”

“Planning permission 25/00492/COU (the original permission) was granted subject to conditions by Planning Committee on the 7 th October 2025. This original permission was for the change of the use of the property from 84 No. units of student accommodation to 49 units of residential accommodation for supported living.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

The original permission was granted in October 2025, and the Management Plan and other conditions were later discharged in April 2026.

“Application Number Proposal Decision Date 26/00149/CONDIT Discharge of conditions 6 (Management Plan), 13 (Welcome pack for sustainable travel) and 14 (Construction Discharged 17.04.2026”

“Approved Subject to conditions 07.10.2025 02/00829/FUL Demolition of existing buildings. Erection of student accommodation building (88 no. bedrooms) Granted Subject to Conditions and S106 23.07.2003 44/13480/HIST P/331/72:- Erection of storage building (to replace existing) Approve Subject to Conditions 03.05.1972 44/13485/HIST P/721/68:- Erection of single storey office building Approve Subject to Conditions 30.08.1968 96/00138/COU Use of land for period of 1 year in…”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the variation would preserve the approved pathway model, management controls, occupier criteria and supported-housing provision.

“Officers are of the opinion that the varied condition and the reason for the condition remain necessary and relevant. Even though this variation could facilitate another Registered Provider of Social Housing operating Ermin Hall, that provider would still have to accord with the approved management plan which ties them to the same operational model which was assessed during the course of the original application.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Highways and Housing Strategy raised no objection, while residents and a councillor raised concerns about safety, amenity, uncertainty and alternative providers.

“Housing Strategy – No objection The request to allow the permitted units to be operated as supported living accommodation by either Cheltenham YMCA or by another similar registered provider of social housing for similar purposes allows for the aligning with the requirements of Homes England Funding.”

“Original condition was intended to safeguard the use of the site and the wellbeing and safety of existing residents • Proposal weakens this and broadens who may operate and manage the accommodation • Antisocial behaviour concerns • Overlooking loss of privacy • Noise • Inadequate parking availability • Detrimental impact on residential amenity • Lack of notification and notice • Could be operated by any Social Housing Provider • Could result in various forms of support…”

Officer report

Who spoke at committee

The Planning Development and Heritage Manager presented the report, while officers answered members’ questions about the conditions, safeguards and enforcement.

Members’ debate

Members supporting the application welcomed supported housing, the Management Plan and council involvement in referrals, while recognising local residents’ concerns.

“Councillor Marshall expressed support for the application. She highlighted the need for supported housing provision within Gloucester. She noted that she was slightly disappointed that the application had gone to Planning Committee as opposed to being determined via delegated powers. She welcomed the requirement for referrals to be made in partnership with Gloucester City Council and stated that this would help ensure appropriate placements.”

“Councillor S. Chambers stated that she was reassured by the protections secured through the approved Management Plan. She noted her previous concerns regarding the possibility of providers placing residents into the accommodation from outside the local area but welcomed the continued involvement of Gloucester City Council in the referral process.”

Minutes

The vote

The Vice-Chair proposed approval and Councillor Harries seconded it, with the proposal then being resolved by the committee.

“The Vice-Chair proposed and Councillor Harries seconded the proposal to grant the application subject to the conditions outlined in the officer report.”

“RESOLVED that planning permission be granted under Section 73 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 for the variation of Condition 3 and the consequential amendment of Condition 7 of planning permission 25/00492/COU, subject to the conditions set out in the officer report.”

Minutes