Children's assisted living home at 30 Vesta Close, Swaffham

What was proposed

Permission was sought to change the dwelling into children’s assisted living accommodation and provide additional parking.

“Proposal: Change of use from dwelling into children assisted living accommodation C2 and means of parking…”

“Residential dwellings are located to the north, south and west of the site, access onto the private road is located to the east. DESCRIPTION OF DEVELOPMENT The application seeks planning permission for Change of use from dwelling to children’s assisted living accommodation C2, as well as laying hardstanding for parking.”

Officer report

The site

The site is a detached two-storey dwelling within Swaffham’s settlement boundary and the Stone Curlew Buffer Zone, with homes nearby.

“SITE DESCRIPTION The application site is 30 Vesta Close, Swaffham, a detached two storey dwelling within the defined Swaffham settlement boundary and the Stone Curlew Buffer Zone.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Recent applications concerned amendments and variations to an earlier permission relating to a pedestrian island refuge condition.

“RELEVANT HISTORY There have been a number of historic planning applications on this site; the following are the most recent/relevant: Planning Reference: 3NM/2024/0053/NMA Description: Amendment to planning permission 3PL/2015/0917/O Seeking approval to remove references to the pedestrian island refuge from Condition 15.”

“Planning Reference: PL/2024/1154/VAR Description: Variation of condition 15 on pp 3PL/2015/0917/O - remove references to 'pedestrian island refuge…”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers considered the proposal acceptable in principle, with no significant adverse effects on character, amenity, highway safety or biodiversity.

“Furthermore, as a dwellinghouse (C3) the laying of hardstanding would be permitted development. Point d, is not relevant in this instance, given the small-scale nature of the proposal. In light of the above, the proposal is considered acceptable in principle and accords with Policy HOU09 of the Breckland Local Plan (2023).”

“As a result, the proposal is considered acceptable in respect of highway safety in accordance with Policies COM01, TR02 of the Breckland Local Plan (2023). Letters of representation referred to Highways considerations such as parking arrangements, parking spaces and intensification of the highway.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The ward representative spoke against the application, an objector spoke for residents, and the applicants were identified as participants.

Members considered the proposal

Members considered the presented report and explored the application’s details against relevant policies and guidance.

“Consideration was given to the report presented by Lucy Gaffer, Development Management Planner.”

“Members considered the matter and fully explored the details of the application in light of prevailing policies and guidance.”

Minutes

The vote

Members unanimously supported the officer’s recommendation for approval.

“DECISION: Members voted unanimously in support of the Officer’s recommendation of approval; subject to the conditions as listed in the report.”

Minutes

Main conditions

The conditions limit the use to a residential children’s care home, allow no more than two children or young people, and require the submitted management arrangements.

“List of Conditions 1.The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of THREE YEARS from the date of this permission. Reason: To comply with section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended).”

“4.The premises shall be used solely as a residential children's care home and shall not be used for any other purpose within Use Class C2 of the Town & Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 2005 (as amended) nor for any other purpose. Reason: In order that the Local Planning Authority may retain control over any future use of the site, in the interest of the amenity of the locality, in accordance with Policy COM03 of the Breckland Local Plan (2023).”

Officer report