Children’s home at 38 Firsby Road, London N16

The site

The site is a three-storey Victorian end terrace in a mainly residential area, near a school and synagogue, and outside a conservation area.

“The application site comprises an end-of-terrace, three-storey Victorian property located on the eastern side of Firsby Road, to the south of the junction with Braydon Road, to the north. The site currently has lawful C3 residential use, but falls within the demise of the adjacent Oldhill Community School site.”

“The surrounding area is predominantly residential in character with some nearby community uses, comprising C3 dwellings of similar scale and appearance. The nearby community uses include Oldhill Community School site to the rear (east) and Belz Avreichim synagogue to the north.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended permission because the proposal would provide specialist local accommodation and was considered acceptable in design, transport and amenity terms.

“The development will deliver clear planning benefits through the introduction of a specialist children’s home (Use Class C2) in Hackney, responding directly to an identified and pressing local need for small-scale, high-quality accommodation for children with emotional and neuro-divergent needs.”

“On balance, and having regard to the objections received, the proposal is considered to comply with the relevant policies of the London Plan (2021) and Hackney Local Plan LP33 (2020). The granting of planning permission is therefore recommended, subject to conditions and the completion of a legal agreement securing necessary planning obligations.”

Officer report

Main planning issues

The proposed home would accommodate four children with complex needs, with bedrooms, communal areas, a sensory room, outdoor space and on-site staff.

“The proposal seeks to change the use of the property from a dwelling house (class C3 use) to a children’s home (Class C2 use). This would provide specialist residential accommodation for four (4) children in care, including those with complex needs such as neurodivergence, ADHD, and autism, along with appropriate levels of on-site support and care.”

“The ground floor layout provides a range of communal spaces, including a kitchen and dining area as well as a living room, allowing for shared mealtimes, social interaction, and day-to-day domestic activity in line with best practice guidance for children’s homes.”

Officer report

Consultation and objections

Two neighbours objected over the residential setting and missing plans; transportation had no objection subject to a car-free agreement and cycle condition.

“Proposed use is inappropriate for a residential street, which could create issues for elderly people and residents. ● The proposed first floor plan was not available to view on Hackney’s public access portal, only the mezzanine and ground levels could be seen.”

“Transportation: No objection, subject to car free legal agreement and cycle parking condition.”

Officer report

Who spoke

No objectors registered to speak; council children and families officers and the council project manager answered committee questions.

Committee discussion

Members heard that soundproofing and the management plan would support neighbours, while the council would seek an experienced, Ofsted-regulated provider.

“During the course of a discussion on the application a number of points were raised including the following: • There would be good soundproofing on adjoining walls, and the management plan ensured a responsive approach to neighbours, particularly given the large Haredi community in the area; • The Council was seeking an experienced provider with a strong record of delivering good or outstanding homes, regulated by Ofsted, and the Council would work with them to build…”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

Members voted for the application without opposition or abstentions and granted permission subject to conditions and completion of a legal agreement.

“To Grant planning permission subject to conditions and completion of legal agreement.”

Minutes