Children's home at 12 Glebe Close, Hemel Hempstead

What was proposed

The application sought confirmation that a dwelling could operate as a children’s home for up to three children without planning permission.

“The application seeks to establish whether use of C3 (a) dwelling house as C2 children's home for up to 3 children aged between 11 and 16 could occur without requiring planning permission i.e. that a material change of use would not occur.”

Officer report

The site

The site is a two-storey, four-bedroom dwelling at the end of a cul-de-sac.

“The application site comprises a two storey 4-bedroom dwelling located at the end of the cul-de-sac of Glebe Close in Hemel Hempstead.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

A previous lawful development certificate covered a similar children’s home, while an earlier garage conversion and change-of-use application was withdrawn.

“24/01077/FUL - Garage conversion and change of use of existing dwelling house from C3 (dwelling house) to C3(b) (Childrens Home) WDN - 8th July 2024”

“24/01611/LDP - Use of C3 (a) dwelling house as C2 children's home for up to 3 children aged between 12 and 16 with two staff members on shift 24 hours a day. Professional visits of up to three social worker visits and two therapy sessions per week at maximum occupancy. Visitor management system to ensure total occupancy does not exceed 6 individuals at one time GRA - 7th February 2025”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended granting the certificate because the proposed use would not materially change the dwelling and would function similarly to a family home.

“Based on the information provided, the change of use from the existing C3 dwelling to a C2 care use would not constitute a material change of use which would constitute development under Section 55 of the Town and Country Planning Act (1990). As such, planning permission is not required.”

“The proposed arrangements would not result in significant external or internal alterations to the built form of the property to enable the use. There would be no increase in bedroom size and the common areas would remain shared. It would also function similarly to a single household in terms of regular school attendance by children, shared mealtimes, domestic responsibilities and activities, community engagement and standard visiting patterns.”

Officer report

Neighbour concerns

Neighbours raised concerns about parking, traffic, staff shifts, visitors, disturbance, neighbourhood character and whether a full planning application was required.

“Notwithstanding this issue, were it to be considered an application for an LDC, there would be the question whether or not planning permission is required for the stated development. Were that to be the case, the planning authority will not take into account any of the normal considerations of a planning application, e.g. impact of parking, impact on neighbours, impact on character and appearance of the area.”

“It must therefore be concluded that the application under either banner would amount to a material change of use which would constitute development within the meaning of Section 55 of the Town and Country Planning Act (1990), in turn requiring a full and properly detailed planning application for change of use.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A councillor declared an interest, took no part in discussion or voting, and spoke against the application.

The decision

The committee granted the application and resolved that a Lawful Development Certificate be granted without conditions.

“Resolved: That planning permission be GRANTED. RECOMMENDATION That a Lawful Development Certificate be GRANTED. Condition(s) and Reason(s): No Conditions…”

Minutes