Supported living care home at 159 West End Road, Southampton

What was proposed

The application sought to change a six-bedroom dwelling from residential use to a care home for up to five adults receiving 24-hour care.

“Proposed development: Change of use from Class C3 (Residential) use to Class C2 use (Care home Supported living services)”

“Proposal 2.1 The application proposes a change of use from an existing dwelling to a C2 Residential Care Home. The applicant sets out in the management plan that they offer a care setting for adults with learning disabilities, physical disabilities or mental health conditions who may require 1:1 care, confirming that the facility will not accommodate individuals who present a risk to the safety of neighbours or the wider community.”

Officer report

The site

The site is a detached two-storey dwelling with garden space, existing parking and access to nearby buses and local facilities.

“The application site comprises a 2-storey, detached, 6 bedroom dwelling on a large garden plot with driveway parking for at least 2 cars to the front and side of the property and storage for bins. The site is enclosed by tall hedges fronting busy West End Road.”

“The local area is mainly characterised by similar large, detached properties to the northern side of the road with semi-detached properties to the southern side. There is a bus stop with routes to the city centre in front of the property and a petrol filling station (15m) and local convenience store (157m) to the west. The site lies approximately 610m from Bitterne District Centre.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended conditional approval because the proposal was considered acceptable in principle and unlikely to cause significant harm to neighbours, the area or highways.

“In addition, the property can be readily converted back into use as a family dwelling with minimal changes. No significant external alterations or extensions are proposed. The proposed change of use is, therefore, considered acceptable in principle.”

“There are no proposed external alterations to the building to facilitate the change of use, only an enlargement of the parking area to the front of the dwelling. The parking area is partially screened behind the mature front boundary hedge, so an increase in parking surface would not be considered harmful to the streetscene. The existing residential appearance of the property is maintained. A condition is recommended to retain the front boundary hedge for screening.”

Officer report

What residents said

Two residents raised concerns about parking, traffic, noise, privacy, management, suitability of the location, cumulative care uses and application details.

“The management plan describes the use as comparable to a family dwelling, but the use will be more intensive in terms of staffing levels and late-night shift changes. Broad assurances rather than specific controls. Response Additional information regarding management of the care home has been provided. The application impacts have been assessed on the basis of the specified staffing and visitor numbers, management of visitors and parking and travel arrangements.”

“The application originally referred to 13 bedrooms, then corrected to 5. Concerns for the accuracy of details and that a generic plan is used for multiple properties. Response The management plan is related to the property in question, and further information has been provided regarding specifics of traffic and parking management on site. The proposed plans clearly show 6 bedrooms including one for use by staff providing 24 hour/day care.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A local resident and the agent addressed the meeting with the Chair’s permission.

How members voted

The Panel confirmed the habitats assessment and then carried the recommendation, with five councillors voting for and one against.

“Upon being put to the vote the Panel confirmed the Habitats Regulation Assessment.”

“The Panel then considered the recommendation that the application be conditionally approved subject to criteria listed in the report. Upon being put to the vote the recommendation was carried.”

Minutes

The committee decision

The Panel approved planning permission subject to the conditions set out in the officer report.

“RESOLVED that planning permission be approved subject to the conditions set out within the report.”

Minutes