Children’s residential home at 26 Monville Road, Liverpool

What was proposed

The application proposed a children’s residential home for one child aged 11 to 16, supported by two staff members on a rota.

“The application is for a children’s home to care for one child, with 2 members of staff (non- resident, working on a rota). The premises is a 3 bedroomed, terraced property within a Primarily Residential Area. The key issues for consideration are those of the principle of allowing a children’s home in this location and representations received from the Police and from neighbouring residents.”

“An amended Management Plan subsequently received on 28.11.2025 states that the property will operate as a small-scale residential care setting, providing 24-hour care and support to a maximum of one child aged 11 to 16 years of age. Staffing will consist of two members of staff present at the property at all times (24 hours a day).”

Officer report

The site

The property is a three-bedroom, two-storey mid-terrace dwelling in a primarily residential area, with a rear service alley and small garden.

“Site Description The application site is located on the west side of Monville Road between the junctions with Springville Road to the south and Longmoor Lane approximately 88 metres to the north. The property consists of a 2-storey mid-terrace dwelling with a service alley to the Page 233 Agenda Item 8”

Officer report

Earlier applications

An earlier lawfulness application was refused, while a later certificate application for supported accommodation was withdrawn.

“This Site 24LP/2394 Application for a certificate of proposed lawful development for the change of use a three bedroomed dwelling (Use Class C3) to supported accommodation for up to two 16-18 year old looked after children and care leavers (Use Class C2). The staffing level would be one member of support staff working a 24 hour shift pattern with changeover at 9am.”

“24LP/2180 Application for a certificate of proposed lawful development for a change of use from a Dwellinghouse to a Children's Home - Certificate of Lawfulness Refused 28.08.2024.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the home was considered acceptable for residential amenity, community cohesion, parking, highway safety and access to services, subject to conditions.

“The planning assessment considers amenity levels for the occupier and staff to be acceptable in this residential area, and the potential impact on neighbouring occupiers acceptable, provided noise insulation is installed within the property. The location is supported by Children’s Services, subject to the service provider being suitably evaluated through Ofsted.”

“There is sufficient on street parking and the site to be accessible by public transport such that any impact on matters of highway safety and convenience are also acceptable. Having considered all of these issues, the application is recommended for approval.”

Officer report

Main planning concerns

The mid-terrace property differed from usual care-home guidance, but officers considered the small scale, one-child limit and proposed staffing acceptable with sound insulation.

“The property is a typical 3-bedroom mid-terrace dwelling which, according to advice, is generally considered to be inappropriate to be used as a residential care home. However, although on this principle the application site does not accord with SPG3, it needs to be recognised that this guidance is generally aimed at larger care facilities. The proposal is to provide support and care for up to one child with 24- hour support of two or more carers.”

“The attached properties to this mid-terrace dwelling appear to be in single family occupation. The combination of increased noise within the property and insufficient sound insulation between the application property and the attached property could negatively impact everyday activities such as reading, studying or sleep and, therefore, the health and wellbeing of neighbouring occupiers.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

A resident objected, Police reported a high-demand crime and antisocial-behaviour area but raised no objection, and other consultees had no objection.

“Merseyside Police Reviewed application and reported that the E331 beat in which Monville Road is located has remained within the top high demand hotspots for crime and anti-social behaviour compared to other beats over a 2 year period from September 2023 to September 2025. Of the reported crimes, violence and drug use/possession are prevalent within the beat area.”

“Although the officer mentions the beat being a high demand area (due to Longmoor Lane) this was just to make the case officer and client aware, however there are no objections with this application.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The planning case officer outlined the application and said it was recommended for approval.

The decision

The committee granted permission for the children’s residential home with the proposed conditions.

“25F/2065 to use the premises 26 Monville Road, Liverpool 9, as a Children's Residential Home (Use Class C2), be granted with the proposed Conditions as outlined in the report. _____”

“That the recommendation to grant the application with Conditions, be approved.”

Minutes

Key conditions

The conditions limit residence to one child, control staff numbers and shifts, and require soundproofing before the home begins operating.

“The shift pattern would be 48hr shifts with staff sleeping on site…”

“Notwithstanding the provisions of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended), and the Use Classes Order 1987 (or any equivalent Order following the amendment, revocation and re-enactment thereof, the premises shall only be used as a children's home for one (1) child and for no other purpose, including other uses within Class C2 of the Use Classes Order.”

Officer report