Three-child care home at Alexandra Guest House, Gateshead

“The proposed children’s home would be operated by Sochia Care and would provide accommodation for up to three children or young people aged 11 to 17 years. The home would seek registration with Ofsted to be a home for children with emotional and behavioural needs.”

“Whilst concerns have been raised regarding the concentration of children's homes within the locality, potential impacts on education and health services, residential amenity, anti-social behaviour and parking, these matters have been carefully considered and are not considered to give rise to unacceptable planning harm.”

“Taking all matters into account, the proposal would contribute towards meeting an evidenced need for children's residential accommodation and the social benefits arising from the development attract significant weight in accordance with Policy HO7 of the NPPF. The proposal is considered to accord with the relevant provisions of the Development Plan when read as a whole and there are no material considerations that indicate planning permission should be withheld.”

“Principle: Over-concentration of care homes, supported accommodation and similar institutional uses in the locality. Potential future intensification of the use beyond that described in the application. Loss of existing guest house accommodation • Amenity: Increased noise, disturbance and general activity associated with a 24-hour care use. Loss of privacy and disturbance arising from use of the property's outdoor areas.”

“That permission be GRANTED, subject to the following conditions and the addition of a condition to secure compliance with the submitted Operational and Management Plan, and that the Service Director of Climate Change, Compliance, Planning and Transport be authorised to add, vary and amend the planning conditions as necessary. The development shall be carried out in complete accordance with the approved plan(s) as detailed below –”

“Site Location Plan received 5 May 2026 • Site Plan received 5 May 2026 • Existing and Proposed Ground Floor Plan received 3 June 2026 • Existing and Proposed First Floor Plan received 3 June 2026”