Children's care home at 12 Manor Close, Kempston, Bedford

“The application site contains a two storey, end of terrace dwelling located to the west of Manor Close, within the Urban Area of Kempston.”

“Planning Permission is sought for change of use from a three bedroom dwelling (Class C3) to a Children's Care Home (Class C2) for two Children aged between 8 and 18. No external alterations are proposed to the existing dwelling as part of this application…”

“The planning history of the site is an important material consideration. In particular, Members will recall that at the May Planning Committee meeting this year, planning permission was granted for a change of use of the dwelling to a care home (Class C2) for two children aged between 8 and 16 years old (25/00202/COU).”

“The current application before Members is identical to this extant permission, except that the applicant seeks to extend the age of the children, so it can be occupied by children aged between 8 and 18 years old.”

“The proposal is still considered to be located in a sustainable location, within the Bedford/Kempston Urban Area Boundary, and would not result in conflict with criterion vi-x of Policy 60 (Specialist housing) of the Local Plan 2030. The dwelling, in terms of its location, size of bedrooms and the facilities offered, remains appropriate for the intended use and the principle of the development is considered to be acceptable.”

“The application, when having regard to the proposed management of the children's home and the maximum number and age of the children now proposed to be accommodated on site, would not result in any unacceptable residential amenity, highway safety or parking impacts, subject to the same conditions imposed previously which included a cycle parking condition and restricting the number of children to two at any one time.”

“Highways (Development Control) Officer No comments made. Env Health & Trading Standards No objection. Kempston Town Council Insufficient parking & in a residential area that does not lend itself to the development. The owners cannot guarantee that staff will commute to work via public transport or car share. Kempston Town Council object on the same basis as the previous application 25/00202/COU. Scientific Officer No comments made. Housing Development No comments made.”

“The application was advertised to the general public by way of letter; this is in accordance with the requirements of article 15 (5) of the Development Management Procedure Order. 6 neighbours were notified and no representations have been received.”

“The Planning Officer advised that there had been no updates since the publication of the report.”

“That permission be granted in respect of the above application in accordance with the recommendation of the Head of Planning and Building Control.”

“The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of 3 years from the date of this permission. REASON: In accordance with Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, to prevent the accumulation of unimplemented planning permissions. The development hereby approved shall be carried out in accordance with the plans and documents listed on this notice, unless required otherwise by a separate planning condition of this permission.”

“REASON: For the avoidance of doubt, to protect the amenity of neighbouring residential occupiers, and to ensure the adequate provision of parking and access facilities at the site in accordance with Policies 31, 32 and 47S of the Bedford Borough Local Plan 2030. 04.”