Children’s home at The Stackyard, Burgh-by-Sands, Carlisle

What was proposed

The application sought to change a four-bedroom dwelling into a children’s home for up to three children, with staff providing care in shifts.

“The application relates to The Stackyard, located on the western side of Burgh by Sands. The property is a detached dwelling set in a generous plot, on the northern side of the C2402 from which the property is accessed. The property has been used as a residential dwelling, and comprises of four bedrooms, with one being en-suite, and a family bathroom at first floor level, and living, dining, kitchen, utility and WC at ground floor level.”

“The application proposes the change of use of of the property from Residential (Use Class C3) to a Residential Children's Home (Use Class C2). The application is being submitted on behalf of Cumberland Council, with the Council's Children Services team to provide residenital care from the property for vulnerable young children. The home would provide primary residential accommodation for up to 3no.”

Officer report

The site

The detached dwelling sits in a generous plot with gardens, parking and mature landscaping, beside open fields and near a conservation area.

“The property occupies a 1/3 acre plot with lawned gardens to the front, side and rear and small patio area to the west. The property is enclosed by estate fencing to the access, with mixed hedgerow and planting along the frontage of the site. The rear boundary is framed by mature trees situated on adjacent land, whilst to the west lies open field which is understood to be used for grazing of alpacas.”

Officer report

Planning history

Permission was granted in 1998 for the house and garage, and there was no other relevant planning history.

“In 1998, planning permission was granted for the erection of house and garage at the site under application 98/0441.”

“There is no other relevant planning history for the site.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A parish councillor spoke against the application and the applicant spoke in support.

Members’ questions

Members asked why the location was chosen, about staffing and the number of children, and what would happen if the home were sold.

“A Member queried the staffing requirements and whether there would be a limit on the number of children accommodated at the home at any one time. The Applicant advised that staffing levels are determined by the needs of the children and are regulated by Ofsted. The maximum number of children who could be accommodated at any one time would be five.”

“A Member asked what would happen if the home was to be sold in the future, in response the Principal Planning Officer advised conditions were in place to ensure that the building was used as a children’s care home and shall accommodate no more than 3 children.”

Minutes

The vote

A member moved to accept the officer recommendation, the motion was seconded, and the committee agreed unanimously.

“Following consideration of the application a Member moved to accept the Officer’s recommendation, this was seconded.”

“A vote was taken and it was unanimously agreed.”

Minutes

The decision

The application was approved with delegated authority for the service manager to amend the conditions where appropriate.

“RESOLVED – That the application be approved subject to the conditions set out below with delegated authority being given to the Service Manager for Development and Implementation to add to and/or make any amendments to the conditions as considered appropriate.”

Minutes

Conditions of approval

The permission limits the home to three children and requires an approved management plan covering matters including staff changes, visitors, CCTV and lighting.

“The property shall be used as a children's care home (Use Class C2) and shall accommodate no more than 3 children or young persons under the age of 18 at any one time, and shall not be used for any other purpose falling within Use Class C2 of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (as amended), or any other Order revoking and/or re-enacting that Order.”

“Notwithstanding the detail contained within the application, the development hereby permitted shall not be brought into use until a management plan has first been submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority.”

Minutes