Small residential care home at 24 Little Road, Hemel Hempstead

What was proposed

The application sought to change a dwelling into a small care home for up to three young people aged 6 to 25.

“The application is for the Change of Use from C3 Dwellinghouse to a Small Care Home (C2).”

“The application site benefits from a lawful development certificate which was approved in February 2026 for the change of use from C3 (dwellinghouse) to C2 (small care home) for three children between 6 and 18 years old with no more than four support staff during the day and no more than three support staff during the night.”

Officer report

The site

The site is a detached four-bedroom dwelling in a mainly residential area, with two parking spaces, gardens and cycle storage.

“The site comprises a two-storey, four-bedroom detached dwelling with existing off-street parking for two vehicles and a sizeable rear and side garden, reflecting the L-shaped configuration of the plot. The submitted plans also identify cycle storage to the rear of the property.”

“The surrounding area is predominantly residential in character. The site is located towards the edge of the Adeyfield area of Hemel Hempstead.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

A lawful development certificate approved a similar care-home use for three children aged 6 to 18, while earlier extension applications had mixed outcomes.

“The current application seeks to amend the age range of the children accommodated at the property, extending this from 6–18 years to 6–25 years. There are no proposed physical alterations to the property or changes to the number of children when compared to approved Lawful Development Certificate under application 25/02072/LDP.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Highways raised no objection, while environmental officers highlighted questions about access, the swimming pool, bedrooms and parking.

“The bedrooms are all upstairs and no lift is shown. How are infirm residents realistically going to access the lounge / dining areas? What happens in an emergency when several infirm residents have to be evacuated by a limited number of care staff? Can the ambulance service get up the narrow side passage to the entrance door? There is no obvious plan to fill in or fence a swimming pool that seems to be in the rear garden.”

Officer report

Residents’ concerns

Residents raised concerns about parking, traffic, disturbance, the area’s character, security, the age range and the operation of the care home.

“Concerns have been raised regarding the adequacy of the existing off-street parking provision for staff, visitors, deliveries and service vehicles. Residents consider that overspill parking could occur on Little Road, potentially obstructing access to neighbouring garages and restricting the ability of vehicles, including emergency and refuse vehicles, to pass and manoeuvre.”

“Some residents have expressed concerns regarding the suitability of the location for vulnerable children and young adults, including references to alleged anti-social behaviour and drug-related activity in the wider area. Concerns have also been raised regarding the perceived impact on elderly or vulnerable residents and the security of neighbouring properties.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The case officer introduced the application, and two speakers addressed the committee in objection.

The committee’s vote

A proposal to grant permission was seconded and approved by nine votes to two, with one abstention.

“It was proposed by Councillor Maddern and seconded by Councillor Hobson to GRANT the application.”

“Resolved: That planning permission be GRANTED. RECOMMENDATION That planning permission be GRANTED subject to the conditions set out in this report. Condition(s) and Reason(s):”

Minutes

Conditions attached

Permission limits the home to three residents aged 6 to 25 and requires an approved management plan controlling staffing, visitors, behaviour and pool safety.

“Prior to the first use of the care home for young people between the ages of 6-25 hereby approved, an Operational Management Plan shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.”

“The maximum number of residents (aged between 6-25 years) within the property known as 24 Little Road shall not exceed three at any one time and they shall each have a bedroom of their own.”

Minutes