Young person's home at 69 Carr Lane, Chorley

What was proposed

The application sought to change a dwelling into a home for one young person, with trained carers providing round-the-clock care.

“Planning permission is sought for the change of use of the dwelling/house (use Class C3) as a young person's home (Use class C2) for a maximum of one young person with carers as required, but no more than two carers resident overnight working on a rota basis.”

“The property would house a maximum of 1no. child up to age 17 years old who would be cared for by trained carers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. During the evening and overnight, the young person will be cared for by two carers who will be resident on site, with carers and a Home Manager also on site during daytime hours as required, and who will work on a rota basis. Staff handovers will take place each day around 8am and 10pm.”

Officer report

The site

The site is a detached bungalow in a mainly residential road, with a driveway, garage and rear garden.

“The application site is in the settlement of Chorley. The host dwelling is a detached bungalow located on a road of predominantly residential properties. Neighbouring residential properties vary in scale, age and design on Carr Lane. Residential properties on Lighthurst Lane are located to the rear of site.”

“Carr Lane is a classified road. The host dwelling currently has dropped kerb access to a driveway suitable for two cars. There is a detached garage to the rear of the site, a garden to the rear and the front of the garden is currently used as a garden.”

Officer report

Highways consultation

Following amended plans showing four parking spaces, highway officers raised no objection and considered highway safety, capacity and nearby amenity acceptable.

“The scheme has been amended to show 4no. spaces to the front elevation. Consequently LCC Highways does not have any objections regarding the proposed change of use of the dwelling/house (use Class C3) as a young person's home (Use class C2) for a maximum of one young persons with carers as required, but no more than two carers resident overnight working on a rota basis and are of the opinion that the proposed development will not have a significant impact on highway…”

“LCC Highways consider that the vehicle movements would represent a small percentage increase in vehicle movements on Carr Lane. The Proposed Site Layout shows four cars can independently access an off-street car parking space. This is acceptable and aids the shift change over with minimal on street parking.”

Officer report

Local concerns

Four representations raised concerns about noise, disturbance, traffic, parking, management, the area's character, consultation, need and property values.

“Councillor Bev Murray on behalf of all Ward councillors has requested the views of LCC Social Services are sought in terms of need for children’s homes in Lancashire. Reassurance is required regarding the management of the home with respect to anti-social behaviour, and maintenance of the property. It is also requested that consideration be given to conditioning the home to one resident/child.”

“Impact on residents due to behaviour of individuals residing in such property, including noise and disturbance from irregular hours kept by carers • Lack of clarity regarding type of care to be provided – no details of how Children’s home will operate and how it will be managed • Impact on parking and highway safety – vehicle movements will be 24 hours a day • Change in character of area - more appropriate locations are available, with access to services, public transport,…”

Officer report

Public speakers

The public speakers were a ward councillor and the agent.

The committee's decision

The committee unanimously refused permission because vehicle movements and increased activity, including carers' visits and support, would harm neighbouring residential amenity.

“After careful consideration, it was proposed by Councillor Chris Snow, seconded by Councillor Alex Hilton, and resolved unanimously that planning permission be refused due to the following reason:”

“The vehicular movements associated with the proposed use will lead to an increase in demand for on-street parking and combined with the level of activity, noise and disturbance increasing by activities such as visits from carers, specialist support that maybe required, along with general comings and goings at the property being greater than that of a family home.”

Minutes