Children's home for two at 64 Towngate, Eccleston, Chorley

What was proposed

The application sought to change a dwelling into a children’s home for up to two young people, with round-the-clock care and shift-based management.

“Proposal: Change of use from a dwellinghouse (Use Class C3) to a childrens home accommodating up to 2 young people (aged under 18), with 24-hour care provided by 2 non-resident care staff and a day manager operating on a shift basis (Use Class C2)”

Officer report

The site

The site is a recently modernised two-bedroom dormer bungalow on a corner, with three driveway spaces and a small rear garden.

“The application relates to a recently modernised, dormer bungalow located on Towngate, Eccleston. The property has two bedrooms and is situated on the corner of Towngate and The Cedars. The location of the property is such that the side boundary of number 1 The Cedars forms the rea boundary of the application property. With the neighbouring property being located in an elevated position compared to the application dwelling.”

“The property has a newly extended drive to the frontage that can accommodate three cars and a small area of private amenity space to the rear.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier applications concerned bungalows, houses and an outline proposal for eight dwellings.

“Description: Change of house types from 6 bungalows to 3 bungalows and 3 houses…”

“Ref: 77/01036/OUT Decision: REFOPP Decision Date: 14 February 1978 Description: Outline application for 8 dwellings…”

Officer report

Officers advised approval

Officers recommended permission because they found no significant effect on the locality, neighbours, noise, disturbance, highway safety or traffic capacity.

“Policy BNE1 of the Chorley Local Plan 2012-2026 states that developments must not cause severe residual cumulative highways impact or prejudice highway safety, pedestrian safety, the free flow of traffic, or reduce the number of on-site parking spaces.”

“The proposed development would not result in any adverse impact on the street scene, residential amenity or highway safety. The proposal does, therefore, accord with policy BNE1 of the Chorley Local Plan 2012-2026 and it is recommended that planning permission be granted subject to conditions.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Highways raised no objection subject to an informative, while the parish council and environmental health service made no comments.

“Four letters of objection have been received raising the following issues:”

“Eccleston Parish Council – no comments received. • CIL Officers – proposal is not CIL liable • Regulatory Services - Environmental Health – no comments received. • Lancashire Highway Services – no objection subject to the use of an informative.”

Officer report

Residents’ objections

Four objection letters raised concerns about pavement parking, children crossing the road, access, speed, renovation parking and highway safety.

“Vehicles parking on the pavement makes it dangerous when children are getting on and off the bus and trying to cross the road. • Dangerous and difficult to get out onto Towngate. • Needs speed cameras installed on Towngate if this is approved. • Issues with parking during the renovation works. • Highways should not be encouraging parking part on the pavement as its against the Highway Code.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant spoke at the committee meeting.

The committee vote

A proposal to grant permission was made, but the committee then voted 7–4 to refuse it.

“After careful consideration, it was proposed by Councillor Craige Southern, seconded by Councillor Alan Whittaker to grant planning permission, subject to conditions outlined within the officer’s report. It was then proposed by Councillor Katie Wilkie, seconded by Councillor Martin Topp and subsequently resolved (7- For, 4 – Against) that planning permission be refused for the following reason:”

Minutes

What was decided

The committee refused permission because it considered increased activity would harm neighbouring amenity through noise, disturbance and greater demand for on-street parking.

“The proposed change of use will have a detrimental impact on the amenity of neighbouring properties because the increased activity at the property will cause unacceptable noise and disturbance arising from the increased activity above that of a dwelling.”

Minutes