Children's home at 22 Barlow Drive North, Awsworth

What was proposed

The application proposed changing a dwelling into a residential children’s home for up to four children aged five to twelve with emotional and behavioural difficulties.

“The application is brought to the Committee at the request of Councillor Pringle. 1. Purpose of the Report 1.1 The application seeks planning permission to change the use of the property from residential (C3) to a residential children’s home (2). 2. Recommendation The Committee is asked to RESOLVE that planning permission be granted subject to conditions outlined in the appendix. 3.”

“The application seeks planning permission to change the use of the property from residential (Class 3) to a residential children’s home (C2). The type of care will be the provision of care for four young persons aged between 5 to 12 years old who have behaviour, social and emotional needs.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is a detached two-storey house in a built-up residential area, with adjoining homes, a rear garden and limited off-street parking.

“The dwelling is a detached two storey house. The property has a front porch, a conservatory and a two storey rear and single storey side extensions. The site is considerably at lower level than the highway and has off street parking space for one vehicle.”

“To the north of the application site is located 20 Barlow Drive North, a detached two storey dwelling. This property has a single storey front extension and single storey side extensions that extends beside the whole shared boundary. Opposite to the site are located nos. 1 and 2 Hawthorn Rise, detached two storey properties.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Permission was granted for a brick garage in 1975 and extensions to the property in 1981.

“Planning permission was granted in 1975 to construct a brick garage and in 1981 for extensions to the property.”

Officer report

Officers’ assessment

Officers considered the residential character would remain, neighbour impacts could be managed, and the care benefits outweighed potential noise and disturbance.

“In regard to the use, the nature of the use as a residential care home for up to 4 children would not significantly differ compared to the use of a dwellinghouse (Use Class C3), where it may be expected for a family including people of this age to reside, and as such it is considered, subject to the provision of a management plan condition, that there would not be any significant impact in terms of increase of noise and disturbance for the occupiers of neighbouring…”

“The negative impact is the potential noise issues arising from the use, however, subject to the implementation of noise mitigation measures within the Management Plan (which will be conditioned); it is not considered sufficient to outweigh the positives. Furthermore, a dwelling occupied under Use Class C3 could generate similar levels of noise.”

Officer report

Consultation and objections

Police raised no objection but advised management arrangements, while residents and other contributors raised concerns about parking, noise, safety, safeguarding and management.

“Parking issues / inadequate parking provision • Highway safety • Increase in vehicular activities related to the change of use • Noise and disturbance during changeovers • Sound proofing between properties • Impact on quality of life • Unsociable hours for changeovers • Fear of anti-social behaviour • Emergency access restriction due to narrow driveway • Fire safety concerns • Lack of facilities within the immediate area and transport links • Insufficient information…”

“In regard to the other two comments received, one stated that the concerns raised do not warrant a refusal, but recommends the application should be determined by the Planning Committee. This comment supports the recommendation about limiting the age of children, and recommends that the house should not be used as a HMO and applicants should follow all OFSTED, fire and safety regulations.”

Officer report

Public speakers

The applicant and an objector spoke during the committee’s consideration of the application.

The committee’s decision

Permission was granted with conditions requiring a management plan, limiting the home to three children and restricting attendance to two staff members except at specified times.

“Prior to the use of the property as a residential children's home, a Resident Management Plan (RMP) shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The use hereby approved shall thereafter be carried out in accordance with the approved RMP, for the lifetime of the use.”

“The premises shall only be attended by a maximum of two staff members at any one time, except during staff handover periods or scheduled staff meetings…”

Minutes