Children's home extension at 128 Hereson Road, Ramsgate

“The application seeks planning permission for the erection of a single storey rear extension together with a rear dormer window.”

“The rear extension will replace the existing conservatory at the rear of the property and will be L shaped, wrapping around the existing two storey rear extension. It will have a depth of between 4m and 9.5m and a width of between 2.4m and 6.1m, and a flat roof with a height of 2.9m. A parapet feature with a height of 3.3m is proposed along the northern elevation of the extension and will form the boundary of the site with St George’s Road.”

“The application site comprises a two storey, end of terrace property located on the western side of Hereson Road, south of the junction with St George’s Road. The building has been previously extended at the rear, and features a rear garden that runs parallel to St George’s Road.”

“The building is in use as a children’s home, which houses three children and two staff members. The children’s home has been in operation since 2001. The surrounding area is mainly residential in nature, featuring properties of similar scales and designs.”

“F/TH/01/0218 - Change of use to children’s home for 3 children in accordance with Section 73A(2)(a) - Granted 19.04.2001”

“F/TH/91/0497 - Change of use and conversion from shop with ancillary living accommodation to form one single residential dwelling house - Granted 25.10.1991”

“The proposed extensions will improve facilities provided within the existing children’s home, without causing harm to the character and appearance of the area. The concerns of neighbours regarding noise and disturbance and anti-social behaviour are noted, but taking into account that the occupancy of the home will not increase as part of this application, the scheme is not considered to result in any additional harm to the living conditions of neighbours.”

“It is therefore recommended that Members approve the application, subject to safeguarding conditions.”

“* Operation of children’s home has resulted in significant noise and disturbance, harassment and antisocial behaviour over the last 30 years, detrimental to neighbouring residents. * Development will increase resident numbers and therefore inevitably intensify the existing problems, leading to increased noise, more frequent disturbance, additional vehicle movements, and greater pressure on the surrounding residential area.”

“TDC Environmental Health: Officers note that five complaints have been received from two neighbouring properties over the application site’s history relating to noise and antisocial behaviour associated with the operation of the Children’s Home. However, these complaints relate to the existing, lawful use of the property, which is not altered or intensified by this application; the proposal does not increase the registered occupancy of the home.”

“The application site is surrounded by residential properties. Considering the impact of the proposed extensions upon attached property, No. 126 first, it is noted that the proposed rear extension will project along the common boundary with this neighbouring property. It will project no further than the existing conservatory present at the site, and following amendments to the extension removing the parapet wall proposed along the boundary with No.”

“Concern has been raised by a neighbour regarding overlooking into their garden during the construction of the development. The construction process is temporary, and whilst scaffolding will need to be erected to install the dormer window, views from this scaffolding into neighbouring gardens will only be for a limited period. As such, this impact is not considered to be especially harmful.”

“Councillor Rusiecki proposed and Councillor Boyd seconded that the officer recommendation to APPROVE be agreed, subject to the following conditions:”

“When put to the vote the motion was AGREED.”

“3 The external materials and external finishes to be used in the development hereby approved shall be of the same colour, finish and texture as those on the existing property.”