Children’s residential home at 7 Berry Lane, Northampton

The site and surroundings

The site is a semi-detached two-storey dwelling with driveway parking, a converted linked garage and rear amenity space.

“The application site is a semi-detached two storey dwelling on Berry Lane with a driveway and off-road parking to the front of the site and linked garage which has previously been converted to habitable space (2014) and rear amenity space. The property has previously been used as a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO).”

Officer report

Earlier use and history

The property was previously used as a house in multiple occupation, while the report records no directly relevant planning history.

“There is no planning history directly relevant to the proposal.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval subject to conditions, considering the principle, parking, highway effects, residential amenity and local character acceptable.

“The key issues arising from the application details are: • Principle of Development • Highway Safety • Parking • Impact of residential amenity • Impact on local character…”

“The report looks into the key planning issues in detail, and Officers conclude that the proposal is acceptable subject to conditions.”

Officer report

Consultation and objections

The parish council objected, highways and other technical consultees raised no objections, and residents submitted 70 objections plus a 105-name petition.

“Consultations The following consultees have raised objections to the application: • Parish Council…”

“The following consultees have raised no objections to the application: • Highways, Environmental Protection, Designing out Crime Officer, Heritage and Conservation…”

Officer report

What people objected to

Objections focused on parking, highway safety, noise, amenity, site suitability, intensity, character, space and insufficient supporting information.

“Highway safety and parking impact – property close to narrowing of road which often experiences congestion. Limited on street parking • Harm to residential amenity • Incompatibility with the character of the area. • Insufficient supporting information…”

“Local context and cumulative impact • Substantial departure from existing residential character of the neighborhood • Visiting support staff increase parking demand and disturb quiet street • Intensity of use – staff change over and visiting professionals increased comings and goings • Inadequate internal and external space for intended use • Increased comings and goings • Material change of use • Noise and disturbance • Safeguarding and community safety • Contrary to…”

Officer report

Who spoke

Two residents, two ward members and the applicant’s representative addressed the committee, opposing or supporting the proposal.

The committee vote

Councillors moved and seconded approval; seven voted for it, none against, and two abstained.

“It was proposed by Councillor David Tarbun and seconded by Councillor Christine Ware that application 2026/1702/FULL be approved in accordance with the Case Officer’s recommendation. The motion was put to the vote with seven votes cast in favour of the proposal, no votes cast against with two abstentions, therefore the motion was carried, and the application was approved.”

Minutes

What was decided

The committee approved the application and delegated permission to the Assistant Director, subject to the report’s conditions and any necessary amendments.

“(1) That authority be delegated to the Assistant Director – Planning and Development to grant permission to application 2026/1702/FULL subject to the conditions set out in the Case Officer’s report (and any amendments to those conditions as deemed necessary).”

Minutes