Adult residential care home at 9 Molineux Avenue, Liverpool

What was proposed

The application sought to change a dwelling into a Class C2 residential care home for three adults with learning and physical disabilities.

“The proposal involves the change of use of a dwelling-house (Class C3) into a residential care home for adults (Class C2).”

“The property would accommodate 3no. adults with learning and physical disabilities.”

Officer report

The site

The site is a detached two-storey house with a rear garden, outbuilding and parking at the end of a residential cul-de-sac.

“The site subject of the application is the property at 9 Molineux Avenue. The site comprises a two-storey detached dwelling of brick and render construction and pitched roof over. The site benefits from a garden to the rear/south of the site, single storey outbuilding to the north of the site and off-street parking. The property is situated at the end of Molineux Avenue cul-de-sac and within a designated Primarily Residential Area.”

Officer report

Officers’ assessment

Officers considered the use comparable to a large family dwelling and found no material harm to residential amenity, highways, visual character or ecology.

“Although the proposal involves a change from C3 to C2 use, the property would continue to function as a residential unit, albeit with a care element. The activities associated with the proposed use would be comparable to those expected within a residential environment. The scale and intensity of occupation are modest, and the use would not undermine the character of the surrounding residential area.”

“Given the modest number of vehicle movements and the availability of both on-site and on-street parking, the proposal will not give rise to any unacceptable noise, disturbance or parking issues. Overall, the intensity and nature of the use are considered comparable to that of a large family dwelling. The proposal would safeguard neighbouring amenity in accordance with Policy H7 and SPG3.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Five neighbours objected over previous disturbance, possible cumulative impacts, parking, traffic, management, property appearance and consultation concerns.

“Neighbours 59 neighbours consulted in total under two rounds of consultation (the second round undertaken to extend the consultation zone). 5 letters of objection have been received raising the following concerns:”

“Residents report previous serious disturbance from the property when it was used to accommodate vulnerable adults, including shouting, swearing, violent incidents and multiple police callouts. • Concerns that future occupiers could cause similar noise and disruption, harming the peaceful residential character of this small cul-de-sac. • Worries that the proposed use is incompatible with a quiet residential environment and would harm neighbours’ living conditions.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The planning case officer outlined the application, and the chair proposed approval subject to the recommended conditions.

Committee discussion

The committee was told that the report’s reference to four on-site parking spaces was a typo and should say three.

“The Committee were informed that paragraph 2.2 of the report refers to parking on site for 4 vehicles. This is a typo and should instead be 3.”

Minutes

The decision

The application for a residential care home was approved with the conditions proposed by the Director of Planning and Building Control.

“25F/0499 to use the premises 9 Molineux Avenue, Liverpool 14, as a Residential Care Home (Use Class C2), be approved with Conditions as proposed by the Director of Planning and Building Control. _____”

Minutes