Children's home at 15 Forest Crescent, Halifax

What was proposed

The application sought to change a three-bedroom semi-detached house from a dwelling to a children’s home for one child, with two carers.

“The application property is a two-storey semi-detached house. The roof has previously been converted to living accommodation and the drawings indicate it has 3 bedrooms. It is located in a suburban residential area around 3km north-west of Halifax town centre. The application is to change the use of the property from a dwelling house (Class C3) to a children’s home for a maximum of 1 child (Class C2).”

“C3 Dwellinghouses Use as a dwellinghouse (whether or not as a sole or main residence) by - C3(a) – a single person or by people to be regarded as forming a single household. C3(b) – not more than six residents living together as a single household where care is provided for residents. or C3(c) – not more than six residents living together as a single household where no care is provided to residents (other than a use within class C4).”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

There was no recent record of planning applications at the site.

“There is no recent record of planning applications at the site.”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers considered the modest use acceptable because it would provide suitable accommodation without undue harm to neighbours, highways or drainage.

“Officers consider that the proposed accommodation is a suitable size and internal and external layout to provide good living (and working) conditions for the occupants.”

“CONCLUSION The application property is an existing three bedroomed semi-detached property in a residential area. The lawful use of the property as a family home could reasonably be expected to generate a significant amount of vehicle movements, and a degree of noise and activity.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Highways and police raised no objections after receiving further information, while police recommended security measures for the home.

“Initially Highways Officers were not able to support the application due to a lack of information in regard to the proposed number of staff and children. They have subsequently stated that if only one child and two staff are present there would be no objections if two tandem parking spaces could be provided by extending the existing driveway. The dropped kerb would not require extending.”

“Initially objected to the application due to a lack of information, however, following receipt of further details regarding the proposal have raised no objections. Recommend that the home has appropriate security, such as lockable doors to any private/staff rooms within the house. CCTV covering the perimeter of the property and a secure fence with gates to 1.8m in height, to the side and rear. External doors should have locks to TS007 3 star fitted.”

Officer report

What residents said

Nineteen objections raised concerns about previous antisocial behaviour, parking, fear, nearby similar facilities and possible effects on property values.

“The following issues were raised: • When the property was previously used for supported living, there was a lot of anti-social behaviour, including the Police being present. The use caused fear, unrest and uncertainty in the local community including amongst parents of children and elderly people.”

“The previous use as supported living created parking problems through the staff parking and coming and goings. Inadequate parking is available on the street.”

Officer report

Who spoke

An objector and the applicant addressed the committee.

The committee’s decision

The committee resolved to permit the application in accordance with the recommendation.

“The Director, Regeneration and Strategy submitted a written report detailing the following applications which had been submitted in accordance with the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 and reported orally that it was recommended to Permit by the Director, Regeneration and Strategy, for the reasons set out in the report.”

“RESOLVED that the application be permitted in accordance with the recommendation of the Director, Regeneration and Strategy.”

Minutes