Children’s care home at 54 Woodlands Road, Gillingham

“The proposal seeks planning permission for the change of use of an existing C3 dwelling house to a C2 care home, together with the construction of a twostorey side extension and the installation of a side/rear dormer window.”

“The proposed care home would be operated by OwnLife and provide accommodation for up to four children or young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties. The submitted Statement of Purpose confirms that the home would be staffed by a team of 11–12 personnel, including a Registered Manager, Deputy Manager, senior practitioners and residential practitioners, with 2–3 staff present per shift as part of a 24hour staffing model comprising day shifts beginning at 08:00 or…”

“MC/25/1036 Conversion of existing dwelling to three managed apartments for foster children together with construction of a two storey side extension and dormer window to rear to provide additional living accommodation within roof space with associated external alterations Decision: Withdrawn…”

“MC/24/1169 Application for a Lawful Development Certificate (proposed) for construction of a dormer window to side/rear to provide additional living accommodation within roof space together with installation of new patio doors with Juliette balcony and new window at first floor level to rear Decision: Approval Decided: July 2024”

“It is considered that the proposal would provide accommodation delivering muchneeded care for young people within an appropriate, familystyle residential setting. The development would not detract from the character or appearance of the residential streetscene, nor would it result in unacceptable impacts on neighbouring amenity, highway safety or the functioning of the local road network.”

“The application would normally be determined under delegated powers but is being referred for Committee determination due to the number of representations received expressing a view contrary to officer’s recommendation for Approval and at the request of Councillors Nestorov and Coombs.”

“The application has been advertised on site and by individual neighbour notification to the owners and occupiers of neighbouring properties. This included an initial 21day consultation period, followed by a further 14day reconsultation upon receipt of additional information. Kent Police and Southern Water have also been consulted.”

“Lack of appropriate consultation The credible operational requirements for a second lounge Parking and Highway Safety Contradictions in respect to the supporting material and what is actually proposed Noise, disturbance and ASB Powers to decline to determine under Section 70A”

“Councillor Nestorov has written objecting to the application. The councillor highlights the planning history of the site, noting multiple previous applications of a similar nature that have been refused or withdrawn, with the view that the current proposal remains materially similar to those earlier schemes.”

“Councillor Coombs has written objecting to the application. The concerns raised relate to the repeated submission of applications of a similar nature at the site, citing previous proposals involving twostorey or firstfloor side extensions, rear dormers, roof alterations, changes to access and parking, and intensified residential use through flats, supported accommodation or care provision.”

“It was noted that previous applications had sought permission for a wide range of uses for this site. • Residents raised concerns that the property may have been sold and that the correct notices may not have been served, potentially resulting in a procedural flaw. • The site was located on a busy road close to a school, with congestion at peak time and an access point close to a pedestrian crossing, raising highway safety concerns.”

“The Committee discussed the planning application noting the concerns raised by the Ward Councillor.”