Alternative education provision at The Hideaway, Hemswell, Gainsborough

What was proposed

The application sought to change a dwelling into alternative education for up to five young people, with respite use and a detached sensory room.

“PROPOSAL: Planning application for change of use from residential to alternative educational provision with respite and the erection of a detached sensory room…”

“The proposal is for a change of use from a dwellinghouse (use class C3: Dwellinghouses) to an alternative educational provision for up to five young people who require a therapeutic learning environment, including the erection of a detached sensory room within the rear garden area (use class F.1 Learning and non- residential institutions).”

Officer report

The site

The site is set back from Weldon Road in the conservation area and an Area of Great Landscape Value, beside homes and open countryside.

“Site Description and Proposal: The application site is located within Hemswell and is set back from Weldon Road. It is within the Conservation Area and located within an Area of Great Landscape Value. The site is surrounded by other residential dwellings to the north and east and open countryside to the east and south.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Earlier permissions covered roof alterations, a bungalow, condition compliance, roof windows, additional doors, fencing changes and an outbuilding.

“141873 Request for confirmation of compliance with conditions 2, 6, 8, 9, 10 and 11 of planning permission 140636 granted 14 May 2020. Condition discharged 29/10/2021”

“WL/2025/00581 Planning application for creation of 2no. additional external doors to the existing dwelling, alter fencing location on south side of building, and erect an outbuilding. Grant with conditions 18/08/2025”

Officer report

What people said

The Parish Council and residents raised concerns about shared access, vehicle movements, limited village facilities, parking, privacy, noise, disturbance and anti-social behaviour.

“Parish/Town Council/Meeting: Concerns raised: ‘1.2.1 Site Location. The planning statement refers to a private access to the site, whereas it is, and always has been a shared access with two other residential properties. Access to other properties in the immediate vicinity is not referenced in the Planning Statement.”

“Local residents: 9 letters of objections received from The Old Chapel, 10a, 12 and 14 Weldon Road; Grooms Cottage, Bunkers Hill; Pear Tree House, Brook Street and Windy Ridge, Middle Street. Objections summarised: • Inadequate access and parking • Illuminate Care Group, Foot Forward Property Investments and Money Stone Investments) are one entity operating under different company names. • Hemswell is not a suitable location for ‘disruptive’ individuals.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant addressed concerns about the regulated service, community engagement, staffing, the calm environment and benefits for children needing specialist support.

What members discussed

Members recognised residents’ concerns, supported the sensory room and considered that the Parish Council’s concerns had been reasonably addressed.

“The Chairman thanked [the applicant] and invited comments from the committee. In recognising the concerns raised by residents, a Member of the Committee highlighted his experience with children experiencing difficulties at school and supported the provision of a sensory room contained within the premises.”

Minutes

The committee vote

The committee unanimously agreed to grant planning permission subject to conditions.

“Having been proposed and seconded, the Chairman took the vote and it was unanimously agreed that planning permission be GRANTED subject to the following conditions:”

Minutes