Children’s home at The Barn, Welton Lane, Welton

What was proposed

The application sought to change a dwelling into a children’s home for up to five children aged between six and eighteen.

“Development: Change of use from dwelling (Use Class C3) to a children’s home (Use Class C2 - Residential Institution…”

“Permission is sought for the change of use from a C3 dwelling to a children’s home (Use Class C2 - Residential Institutions) for up to five children aged between 6-18 years old.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is a converted five-bedroom barn in open countryside south of Welton, with hardstanding, parking and road links to nearby services.

“The application site comprises of a five bedroom two storey detached dwelling that was previously an agricultural barn that was converted under part Q prior approval application (WNDPD/2022/0034) granted in October 2022. The property is accessed via a double gated entrance off Welton Lane, close to the junction with Daventry Road. There is a large area of hardstanding to the front and sides of the dwelling with ample off road parking available.”

“The site benefits from good road connectivity and practical accessibility to services and facilities. Nearby transport infrastructure includes: · Welton Lane and Cycle Route, · local bus stop infrastructure, · and direct road links into Daventry and surrounding settlements.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Earlier applications included approvals for dwelling conversions, refusals for other uses and an enforcement appeal that was dismissed.

“DR/1972/0095: Stud farm – withdrawn DR/1972/0343: House and stables with horse training ground – refused DR/1992/0700: Change of use of existing agricultural building to B1(c) – refused DA/1992/1231: Change of use of agricultural building to B8 storage (retrospective) – Refused, enforcement notice issued, appeal against enforcement notice dismissed PD/2016/0040 - Prior approval for change of use of barn to three two bedroomed dwellings (Class Q(a) and Class Q(b)) –…”

“DA/2017/0644 – Demolition of existing barn and construction of three detached dwellings – Refused 19/01/2018. DA/2017/0644 – Appeal – Dismissed 12/10/2018. PD/2020/0045 - Prior approval for change of use of barn to 4 dwellings – Withdrawn 16/11/2020. PD/2021/0016 - Prior approval for change of use of agricultural building to 3no. dwellings (Part Q (A and B)) – Approved 11/5/2021. WNDPD/2022/0034 - Prior approval for change of use of barn to one dwelling – Approved 24/10/2022.”

Officer report

What residents said

Residents submitted 38 objections, six supportive letters and four comments, covering facilities, transport, highway safety, amenity and the rural location.

“There have been 38 letters objections, 6 letters of support and 4 letters of comments received. Objections raised the following comments:”

“There are no facilities in the village • There's no transport to and from the village • There is no pavement outside the house which opens onto the main road. • There is very little for young people to do in Welton. • The site is on the corner of a dangerous bend of a road • While the need for high-quality care facilities for children is fully acknowledged, the proposed location in our village is entirely unsuitable for a development of this nature.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A resident and the applicant’s representatives supported the proposal, while another resident and the ward member objected on highway and sustainability grounds.

What members debated

Members heard that a footpath to Daventry was safe and accessible, meaning the site was not considered rural or isolated.

“During the debate, the Committee heard that the footpath connecting the application site with the Monksmoor area of Daventry was safe, accessible and as a result this was not a rural or isolated site, and as such it was proposed by Councillor Ronald…”

Minutes

The committee vote

The motion to approve received seven votes in favour, none against and two abstentions.

“Firman and seconded by Councillor Alexander McMurtry that application 2026/1750/FULL be approved in accordance with the Case Officer’s recommendation. The motion was put to the vote with seven votes cast in favour of the proposal, no votes cast against with two abstentions, therefore the motion was carried, and the application was approved.”

Minutes

What was decided

The committee delegated authority to grant permission subject to the report’s conditions and any necessary amendments.

“In reaching its decision, the Committee considered the Case Officer’s report and presentation, the addresses of the public speakers, and the Committee Updates.”

“(1) That authority be delegated to the Assistant Director – Planning and Development to grant permission to application 2026/1750/FULL subject to the conditions set out in the Case Officer’s report (and any amendments to those conditions as deemed necessary).”

Minutes