Children’s home for two children at 55 St Johns Drive, Clarborough

What was proposed

The application sought a certificate for changing a four-bedroom dwelling into a children’s home for up to two children, a manager and carers.

“Proposal Application for a Lawful Development Certificate for Change of Use of Dwelling (C3a) to a Children's Home (C2) for up to Two Children, Manager and up to Two Carers…”

“The application seeks a Certificate of Lawful Use or Development for the proposed use of the dwelling at 55 St John’s Drive, currently in Class C3(a) use, as a small specialist residential care home falling within Class C2 of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (as amended). The proposed use would accommodate up to two children who have been diagnosed with emotional and behavioural difficulties (EBD).”

Officer report

The site

The site is a detached dwelling with a rear garden and parking, within Clarborough’s development boundary and accessed from St John’s Drive.

“The application site comprises a two-storey, four-bedroom detached dwelling located within the heart of Clarborough, inside the defined development boundary. The property benefits from a modest rear garden that provides private amenity space. To the front of the dwelling, there is provision for up to two off-street parking spaces, in addition to a further space within the existing garage.”

Officer report

Planning history

There was no relevant planning history for the site.

“There is no relevant planning history for the site in question…”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended granting the certificate because the proposed use was considered lawful and would not materially change the residential use.

“The proposed use retains the residential character of the building and does not introduce any significant harm to the living conditions of neighbouring occupiers. The level of comings and goings, professional visits, and daily operations are anticipated to remain low and in line with typical residential activity.”

“It is concluded that the proposed use of the property for the supported living of two young person within a family-like setting, staffed by two carers on a shift basis and a manager, would not result in a material change of use. As such, the proposal would not constitute development under Section 55 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and would not require express planning permission.”

Officer report

What people said

Sixteen objections raised concerns about traffic, parking, property safety, local facilities, residential amenity, community cohesion and safeguarding.

“Residents consistently highlight that St John’s Drive is a narrow residential cul-de- sac, already congested with parked vehicles and frequent deliveries. Emergency services have previously struggled to gain access. The applicant’s claim that four vehicles can be accommodated on-site is strongly disputed, with neighbours stressing that overspill parking would inevitably take place on the road or public green space used by local children.”

“The objections argue that the proposal conflicts with several material planning considerations, including highway safety, parking provision, residential amenity, and the suitability of both the property and its location. The strength and consistency of community opposition suggests a broad consensus that St John’s Drive is not an appropriate location for a development of this nature.”

Officer report

Who spoke

An objector and the ward member spoke against the application, while the applicant spoke in support.

Members’ debate

Members asked material and non-material questions, which the Head of Planning and Place addressed before the Chair summarised the debate.

“Members asked several material and non-material questions during the debate. These questions and comments were addressed by the Head of Planning and Place.”

“In conclusion, the Chair summarised the debate.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee resolved to grant the Certificate of Lawful Use or Development and issue the certificate.

“Recommendation of the Head of Planning and Place: The Certificate of Lawful Use or Development be Granted and the Certificate issued.”

“PLANNING COMMITTEE 4 Committee Decision Resolved that: The Certificate of Lawful Use or Development be Granted and the Certificate issued.”

Minutes