Two children's care homes at Esma House, South Norwood, London SE25

What was proposed

The application sought two children’s care homes, each for two children, with a rear dormer, rooflights and window changes at one property.

“PLANNING SUB-COMMITTEE AGENDA 19 th March 2026 PART 5: Planning Applications for Decision Item 5.2 1.0 APPLICATION DETAILS Ref: 25/02034/FUL Location: 18 & 18A Cobden Road, Croydon SE25 5NX Ward: Woodside Description: Change of use from 2x dwelling houses (Class C3) to 2x Residential care homes (for two children per home) (Class C2), erection of rear dormer roof extension, insertion of 2x rooflights and alterations to fenestration to 18A Cobden Road (part retrospective).”

“The application is for a change of use from 2x dwelling houses – 18 and 18A Cobden Road (Class C3) to 2x Residential care homes (for two children per home) (Class C2), the erection of a rear dormer roof extension, insertion of 2x rooflights and alterations to fenestration to 18A Cobden Road.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier proposals included refused applications for supported living, an HMO and alterations to the homes, alongside enforcement cases awaiting outcomes.

“22/04272/LP - Use as a semi-independent living accommodation for 17 - 21- year-olds with qualified full-time line-in carers to provide care 24 hours (Use Class C3(B)). Certificate refused. Insufficient information.”

“22/04739/LP – Proposed use of dwelling house (Class C3a) as supported living accommodation for young adults 17-21 years old (Use Class C3(b)). Withdrawn. Pre-application 25/00318/PRE – Change of use from class C3 to C3b – Closed. Enforcement 24/00142/COU – Change of use to an HMO – Awaiting the outcome of the current planning application.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval subject to a legal agreement securing the children’s homes for local need and conditions covering management, safety and occupation.

“That the Committee resolve to GRANT planning permission subject to the completion of a S.106 agreement to secure the occupancy of the children’s home and to prioritise the allocation of the place to meet local need.”

“Prior to occupation 3) Full details of cycle parking provision. 4) Submission and approval of an Operational Management Plan 5) Details of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDs) 6) Obscure glazing (film) to second floor rear dormer windows of 18A Cobden Road.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A planning officer presented the application, two people spoke against it and the applicant spoke in support.

The committee debate

After hearing the speakers, the committee considered the application and proposed granting it with a change to the dormer-window glazing condition.

“After the speakers had finished, the Committee deliberated.”

“The motion to GRANT the application based on the officer’s recommendation, with Condition 6 amended from obscure glazing (film) to obscure glazing to second floor rear dormer windows of 18A Cobden Road, was proposed by Councillor Fish. This was seconded by the Councillor Fraser.”

Minutes

The vote

The motion to grant permission passed with six votes in favour, no votes against and no abstentions.

“The motion to GRANT the application was taken to a vote and carried with six members voting in favour, no members voting against and no abstentions. Therefore, the Committee RESOLVED to GRANT the application for 18 & 18A Cobden Road, Croydon SE25 5NX.”

Minutes