Children’s care home at 26 Danby Avenue, Old Whittington, Chesterfield

What was proposed

The application sought to change a four-bedroom dwelling into a children’s care home for up to two children, without external alterations.

“PROPOSAL: Change of Use of existing 4no bedroom dwellinghouse (C3a Use) to Children's Care Home for up to 2no Children (C2 Use)”

Officer report

The site

The site is a two-storey semi-detached property in an established residential area, with vehicular access and three parking spaces.

“The application site comprises a two storey, semi-detached property, located within an established residential area. There is vehicular access from Danby Avenue. There is a hardstanding area to the front of the property which provides an off-street parking area.”

Officer report

Main planning issues

Officers found the principle, appearance, residential amenity, highway safety and parking arrangements acceptable under the cited local plan policies.

“The application site is situated within the built-up area as defined by the Local Plan. The proposal seeks to re-use an existing residential property for another residential use, located in a primarily residential area. The site is located within walking distance of several services and facilities, including local shops and bus stops.”

“On this basis, the principle of development accords with Local Plan policies CLP1 and CLP2. Design and Appearance 5.5.1 Local Plan policy CLP20 states in part; all development should identify and respond positively to the character of the site and surroundings and respect the local distinctiveness of its context respect the character, form and setting of the site and surrounding area by virtue of its function, appearance and architectural style, landscaping, scale,…”

Officer report

Consultees and residents

The Highway Authority raised no objection subject to a parking condition, while two representations raised concerns about parking, conduct, safeguarding and nearby children’s accommodation.

“The Highway Authority have provided the following response:”

“On this basis, the Highway Authority raise no objections and recommend a condition that the parking area is retained in perpetuity. Subject to the recommended condition, the proposal therefore accords with Local Plan policies CLP20 and CLP22.”

Officer report

Who spoke

An objector and the applicant addressed the committee.

Committee discussion

Members considered the report and representations, focusing on vulnerable children’s safeguarding and parking at both the proposed and neighbouring homes.

“The Committee considered the report and concerns raised in the representations specially noting the concerns raised around safeguarding of vulnerable children, parking including parking for staff at the current care home next door as well as parking at the application site but noting that the Highways Authority had raised no objections.”

Minutes

The vote

Councillor Stone moved, and Councillor G Falconer seconded, that the officer recommendation be upheld.

“The Committee considered the report, and it was moved by Councillor Stone and seconded by Councillor G Falconer that the officer recommendation be upheld.”

Minutes

The decision

The committee upheld the officer recommendation and granted the application subject to the conditions in the officer’s report.

“That the officer recommendation be upheld, and the application be GRANTED, subject to the conditions outlined in the officer’s report.”

Minutes