Children’s home at Dalston House, Clark Lane, Tuxford

What was proposed

The application sought to convert an existing home into a children’s home for up to three children or young adults.

“The application seeks to convert an existing dwelling (Use Class C3) into a Children’s Home (Use Class C2) for up to 3 children / young adults, specifically those who may present emotional and behavioural difficulties and/or mild learning difficulties. The applicant is an existing organisation (Footsteps to Futures) who wish to relocate one of their existing Homes.”

“The occupants’ ages would be between 7-17 years old at admission but could remain living at the home until they reach 18 years old. Supervision would be provided by a Residential House Manager (RHM) and Senior Residential Care Workers, with a minimum of two care staff on duty around the clock.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is in a mainly residential area, with two non-designated heritage assets and trees protected by preservation orders.

“The application site lies in a predominantly residential area within Tuxford. Dalston House and the adjoining Vine Cottage are non-designated heritage assets. A number of trees within the curtilage of the Dalston House are the subject of Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs).”

Officer report

Planning history

There were no recent planning histories considered relevant to the application.

“Full planning histories can be found on the Council’s public access planning system. There are no recent planning histories of relevance.”

Officer report

Main planning issues

The main issues were the principle of development, specialist accommodation, access, highway safety, design, residential amenity, heritage and other considerations.

“By virtue of the site’s designations and constraints, the main issues for consideration as part of the appraisal of the application are:”

“Principle of Development • Specialist Accommodation • Access and Highway Safety • Design and Residential Amenity • Heritage and Conservation • Other Material Considerations…”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Council officers and highways raised no objections, subject to conditions in some cases, while Tuxford Town Council objected because information was insufficient and inconsistent.

“BDC Conservation: No objections • BDC Environmental Health: No objections • BDC Tree Officer: No objections, subject to conditions • NCC Highways: No objections, subject to conditions • Tuxford Town Council: Objects due to insufficient and inconsistent information…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Senior Planning Officer presented the application, and an objector spoke against it under the public participation rules.

Members’ discussion

Members asked about the neighbouring property and the number of occupants and staff, while officers addressed the party wall and possible conditions.

“Adjacent neighbouring property • Number of occupants/staff at the property…”

“In response to questions raised the Senior Planner advised that there are no alterations to the property on the party wall and that limited number of occupants and staff on site could be added as a condition.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee granted planning permission subject to amended conditions, with final wording delegated to the Head of Planning and Place.

“Recommendation of the Head of Planning and Place: Grant planning permission, subject to conditions.”

“Committee Decision Resolved: Planning permission be Granted subject to amended conditions with final wording being delegated to the Head of Planning & Place for completion.”

Minutes