Children’s care home at 1 Trefoil Close, Thornton, Cleveleys

What was proposed

The application proposed changing a dwelling into a children’s care home for up to two children and two carers at any time.

“Proposal Proposed change of use from residential dwelling (Use Class C3) into children’s care home (Use Class C2), accommodating up to two children and up to two carers at any one time. A maximum of 2 Carers.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier applications approved extensions, while a 2025 certificate application for a similar children’s care home use was not lawful.

“06/01173/FUL - Single storey side extension for a shower room - Approved…”

“25/00981/LAWP - Lawful Development Certificate for proposed change of use of dwelling (C3) to a children's care home (C2) for up to two young persons with a maximum of two carers and one manager (3 staff) at any time - Not Lawful…”

Officer report

Public objections

Nineteen objections raised concerns about parking, visibility, traffic, noise, antisocial behaviour, visitors, ownership and restrictive covenants.

“Insufficient parking at the site and parking on the cul-de-sac could result in visibility issues • A Certificate of Lawfulness was previously refused at the same site; therefore, the suitability of this use has not been established • The staff movements would differ from normal residential use and would alter the character and function of the area • Increase in traffic, noise • Impact on residents who rely on limited on street parking • Concern regarding potential for…”

“Concern expressed that friends and associates of the children being cared for will be allowed to visit the premises • Concern expressed as to whether the correct certificate of ownership has been provided with the application form • Restrictive covenants prevent businesses operating from the dwelling…”

Officer report

Public speakers

Two people spoke against the application, and the applicant spoke in support.

Members’ debate

Members discussed road visibility, parking, changeover times, the dropped crossing, children’s safety and the highways response.

“The Assistant Director of Planning and Building Control responded to questions from councillors regarding what weight could be given to material considerations including vulnerable neighbours, and that a final decision rested with Ofsted to determine if the property would become a children’s home.”

“Councillors were mixed in their opinions, some speaking in favour of the application and some against. They discussed the following topics: • Road visibility. • Parking. • The changeover time. • If there would be a dropped curb. • Children’s safety. • Lancashire County Council (Highways) lack of objection.”

Minutes

The vote

A councillor proposed approval with conditions, another councillor seconded it, and the committee approved the application.

“Councillor Livesey proposed the recommendation to approve planning consent subject to conditions and to authorise the Assistant Director of Planning and Building Control to make changes to the wording of the conditions as may be appropriate as long as the changes would not materially affect what the condition is trying to achieve or the permission overall. Councillor Swatton seconded the proposal.”

“It was resolved to approve the application as per the officer’s recommendation.”

Minutes

Permission conditions

Permission limited the use to a children’s residential home for no more than two children and required flood measures and a dropped crossing.

“The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the approved Flood Risk Assessment prepared by Leeming Associates Chartered Building Consultancy Ref 77613-01 and the mitigation measures detailed within the FRA.”

“The premises shall be used for a children's residential home (C2 use) only and for no other purpose (including any other purpose in Class C2 of the Schedule to the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987, (or in any provision equivalent to that Class in any statutory instrument revoking and re-enacting that Order with or without modification) without prior express planning permission from the local planning authority.”

Minutes