Assisted living dwelling at 8 Thorness Close, Southampton

What was proposed

The application sought to change a dwelling into assisted living accommodation for up to three young people aged 16 to 21.

“Proposed development: Change of use from a dwelling house to an assisted living dwelling for 3 no. young persons (class C2).”

“Proposal 2.1 The proposal seeks a change of use from a dwellinghouse to a supported living accommodation for older children and care levers/young adults aged between 16 and 21 years. The accommodation would be operated by Vitallinks Solutions who provide semi-independent living arrangements designed to support young people in developing the skills necessary to live independently within the community.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The site is a three-bedroom mid-terrace house without off-road parking on a mainly residential street with nearby public transport.

“8 Thorness Close comprises a three-bedroom, two-storey mid-terrace dwelling situated midway along a short terrace on the eastern side of Thorness Close. The property does not benefit from off-road parking; however, on-street parking is available within the surrounding streets and lies outside any residents' permit parking zone.”

“Thorness Close is a predominantly residential street characterised by similar terraced dwellinghouses. The site is located approximately 1.5 miles from Lordshill District Centre. The area is served by public transport, with bus stops located on Kendall Avenue approximately 270 metres to the east of the site.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

The only recorded planning history relates to construction of the housing estate in the 1950s.

“The only planning history related to the site relates to the initial construction of the housing estate in the 1950s.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended conditional approval because the proposal would meet an identified need and was considered compatible with the area without unacceptable harm.

“The proposal aligns with national and local policy objectives aimed at meeting the accommodation needs of children, care leavers and young adults requiring support. It would contribute towards an identified need for this type of provision within Southampton by providing a safe and structured living environment for residents transitioning towards greater independence.”

“It is recommended that planning permission be granted subject to the conditions set out below.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Children and Learning Services and the highways team raised no objection, with highways seeking a transport and parking management plan.

“Children and Learning Services (Commissioning) – No objection…”

“No objection is raised subject to a condition requiring a Transport and Parking Management Plan. This should set out measures to encourage sustainable travel, manage staff and visitor parking, and ensure parking demand remains comparable to that of a typical dwelling. Provided staffing levels remain as proposed and residents do not own cars, the development is not expected to result in an unacceptable impact on highway safety or parking provision.”

Officer report

Objections and officer replies

Representations raised concerns about parking, congestion, noise, safety, staffing, accommodation and neighbourhood character; officers addressed these through management, regulation and conditions.

“Impact on neighbours. • Increased activity from staff/visitors compared to a single household. • Disruption to peace and quiet in a family-oriented street also occupied by elderly residents, disabled persons and children with additional needs; and subsequent effect on wellbeing. • Potential late-night movements and operational noise. • Anti-social behaviour and perceived risk to safety and wellbeing of neighbouring families, including local children.”

“The submitted Management Plan confirms that residents would be subject to occupancy agreements, house rules and behaviour management procedures, with staff supervision provided throughout the day and night. • The management plan includes procedures for neighbour engagement and responding promptly to any concerns. • Any anti-social or criminal behaviour would be dealt with through separate statutory powers and regulatory processes.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant and a ward councillor addressed the Panel with the Chair’s permission.

The committee debate

Members proposed adding a soundproofing condition, including acoustic insulation and soft-close doors, and the amendment was unanimously carried.

“During discussion on the item, a motion to amend the recommendation by the inclusion of sound proofing condition as a condition, which would also include soft close door mechanisms being installed. Upon being put to the vote, the amendment to the recommendation was unanimously carried.”

Minutes

The vote

The amended recommendation was carried, with four councillors voting for and two voting against.

“The Panel then considered recommendation that the application be conditionally approved subject to criteria listed in the report as amended. Upon being put to the vote the recommendation as amended was carried.”

Minutes

The final decision

The Panel approved planning permission subject to the report’s conditions and an additional sound insulation condition, while amending restrictions on use and overnight staffing.

“RESOLVED that planning permission be approved subject to the conditions set out within the report and any additional or amended conditions set out below:”

“Noise & Vibration (Internal Noise Sources) (Pre-Occupation) The use hereby approved shall not commence until sound insulation measures to mitigate internally generated noise and vibration have been provided in accordance with a scheme first submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The approved measures shall thereafter be retained and maintained.”

Minutes