Adult care home at 67 Cardington Road, Bedford

What was proposed

The application sought to convert a four-bedroom dwelling into an adult care home for four people.

“Planning Permission is sought for a change of use from an existing four bedroom dwellinghouse (C3) into an adult care home (C2) for four persons.”

Officer report

The site

The property is a large detached two-storey house in an urban area, with no external alterations proposed.

“The application property is a large, two-storey, detached house located to the south of Cardington Road and to the southwest of the roundabout that marks the junction of Cardington Road with Longholme Way and Rope Walk. The application dwelling is double…”

“- 6 - fronted with a pair of front gables with curved bay windows and a centrally located entrance door and porch area. It has a tiled, hipped roof.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the location, care facilities, residential character, amenity, parking and flood arrangements were considered acceptable subject to conditions.

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

“The development includes no external alterations to the building or its curtilage and would remain in a form of residential use. On this basis, it would not be considered harmful to the character of the area. Moreover, the on site parking provision would be considered acceptable and the Highways Officer has not objected, on this basis.”

Officer report

Consultation and objections

Adult Services and Environmental Health raised no objections, Highways had no objection subject to conditions, and 18 neighbours objected on several grounds.

“Director Adult Services Adult Services have become aware of this residential care home and this type of service is required and is in line with our market position statement for our local area in respect of people with social care/ health needs, and we do not have objections to the planning application, the regulator CQC are awaiting the planning decision before finalising the providers CQC registration. Env Health & Trading Standards No objection.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee heard a representation from an objector, and Councillor Croft made a statement on the application.

The committee decision

The committee granted permission in accordance with the planning recommendation.

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

Minutes

Conditions attached

Permission required a maximum of four adult residents, four staff, cycle and car parking, flood mitigation and bin storage.

“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.”

“The development shall not be occupied unless the Flood Mitigation Measures set out in the Flood Risk Assessment, dated February 2026, LPA reference V04A, have been implemented in full. Such measures shall be retained thereafter. REASON: To ensure the development is safe from potential future flood events and to ensure that it does not result in future flooding off-site, and in accordance with Policies 92 and 93 of the Bedford Borough Local Plan 2030. 07.”

Officer report