Children’s care home at 13 Gardner Avenue, Corringham

What was proposed

The application proposed changing a dwelling into a children’s care home for no more than two looked-after children or young people, with 24-hour staff care.

“The application seeks planning permission for the change of use of an existing dwellinghouse (Use Class C3) at 13 Gardner Avenue, Corringham, to a children's residential care home (Use Class C2) accommodating no more than two looked-after children or young persons. The home would operate with 24- hour care provided by staff working on a shift basis. The proposal does not involve any external alterations to the property.”

“It is considered that the proposal would provide a valuable form of residential care accommodation for looked-after children, would not result in unacceptable harm to the character of the area or neighbouring residential amenity, and would not give rise to parking or highway safety concerns. Accordingly, the application is recommended for approval subject to conditions.”

Officer report

The site

The property is an extended two-storey end-terrace dwelling in a residential area, with pedestrian and vehicle access and three parking spaces.

“The application site hosts a two-storey, end terrace dwellinghouse within a residential area of Corringham. The dwelling has been extended and provides loft accommodation and has been extended to the rear by way of a rear extension.”

“The immediate surrounding area is predominantly residential in character and consistently formed of two-storey terraced dwellings relatively uniform in character and appearance. The property benefits from pedestrian and vehicular access from Gardner Avenue and provides three off-street car parking spaces.”

Officer report

Earlier changes

Earlier permissions covered a rear extension, a loft dormer, a garage and changes to the layout and house types.

“Application Reference Description of Proposal Decision 15/00132/PHA Single storey rear extension measuring 4 metres from the original rear wall of the dwelling 2.45 metres to the eaves and 3.6 metres at the highest point Prior Approval Granted 13/00261/CLOPUD Insertion of a rear dormer within the existing converted loft. Lawful 86/01056/FUL Garage To Front Elevation Approved 54/00055B1/FUL Revision of layout and house types. plots 128 to 144.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The highways authority raised no objection; five letters and a petition objected, while one letter supported the proposal.

“Neighbouring notifications letters were sent to nearby properties, and a site notice was erected nearby. At the time of drafting the report, 6 letters of representation have been received. 5 in objection and a petition containing 40 signatures, 1 letter in support.”

“Summary of concerns raised in the objections and petition:”

Officer report

What people raised

Objections concerned noise, disturbance, character, community safety, traffic, parking, highway safety and operation, while support cited the small scale and parking.

“- Impact on residential amenity, including noise and disturbance. - Impact on the character of the area. - Concerns regarding community safety and security. - Traffic, parking and highway safety concerns. - Concerns regarding the operation and management of the proposed children’s home.”

“One letter of support has also been received from the property owner, citing the limited scale of the proposed use, availability of on-site parking, and the suitability of the property for the proposed children’s home.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A ward councillor spoke against the application, and the agent spoke in support and answered questions about placements, security and care.

What members debated

Members discussed the location, parking, staffing, safeguarding, age ranges, supervision, transitions and whether the property was suitable for the children.

“Members further queried whether children who wished to leave the property would be prevented from doing so. The speakers advised that visits, activities and trips outside the home would be planned and managed in advance as part of the children’s care arrangements. It was further clarified that the proposal related to a residential care home and not a supported living facility.”

“Members queried whether the applicants could provide further information regarding the ages of the children who would reside at the home. In response, the speakers advised that they were unable to disclose additional information due to safeguarding considerations and data protection requirements. However, it was confirmed that the anticipated age range of residents would be between 12 and 14 years.”

Minutes

The vote

Six councillors voted for approval and two voted against, with no abstentions.

“Recommendation That the Chief Planning Officer be authorised to GRANT permission for the development subject to those items set out in section 16 of the report…”

“For (6): Councillors Cherry, Taylor, Benson, Lawrence, Mackintosh, Mumford Against (2): Councillors Croom, J Poyntz Abstain (0)”

Minutes

Conditions imposed

The permission limited the home to two children or young people aged seven to 17 and prevented the outbuilding being used for sleeping or separate residential accommodation.

“The dwelling known as 13 Gardner Avenue, Corringham, Essex SS17 7SE shall house a maximum of two children/young people (aged between 7 to 17 years), as looked after residents at any given time whilst operating under Use Class C2 (children’s home) as defined within The Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (as Amended) and shall be used for no more than this number of children and for no other purposes whatsoever.”

“The outbuilding shall be used only for incidental purposes ancillary to the occupation of the main dwellinghouse for the C2 use, including use as an office. The outbuilding shall not be used for sleeping accommodation, overnight stays, or as a separate residential unit.”

Officer report