Young people's care home at 1 Bramfield Place, Hemel Hempstead

What was proposed

The application sought to change a four-bedroom dwelling into an Ofsted-registered care home for three young people aged six to 25.

“The application seeks full planning permission for the change of use from dwellinghouse (C3) to a residential care home (C2). The Ofsted registered care home would cater for 3 young people between the ages of 6-25 years old. The young people would be looked after by a team of care staff working in a shift rota with 4 during the day and 3 overnight. The care home would be managed and staffed at all times.”

“There would be no external alterations to the building. Internally, the existing 3 larger bedrooms would be used by the resident young people, and the smaller bedroom would be used as a staff bedroom. The proposal also includes the conversion of the existing attached garage into a staff office and a storage space for bicycle and general storage.”

Officer report

The site

The property is a two-storey detached dwelling on a corner plot, with front parking for two vehicles and a rear garden.

“The site is located on the corner of Bramfield Place and Elstree Road within a designated residential area of Hemel Hempstead. The site comprises a two-storey detached dwelling on a reasonable sized plot facing towards Elstree Road. There is a hard standing area to the front of the dwelling with sufficient space for two vehicles and an existing dropped kerb. There is a paved patio area to the rear with an area laid to lawn beyond.”

Officer report

Earlier permission

A certificate for a small care home for up to three children aged six to 18 was granted on 12 November 2025.

“25/02073/LDP - Change of use from C3 (dwelling house) to C2 (small care home) for no more than 3 children aged between 6 and 18 years with support from no more than 3no. care workers and 1no. Registered Manager during the day and no more than 3no. care workers during the night. GRANTED - 12th November 2025”

“4/01582/90/FHA - Single storey rear / side extension GRANTED - 3rd January 1991”

Officer report

Who spoke

Three people, including a ward councillor, spoke against the application.

The committee vote

Councillor Hobson proposed granting permission, Councillor Bromham seconded it, and members voted seven for, one against and two abstentions.

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

Minutes

The decision

Planning permission was granted subject to conditions controlling management, staff changeovers, visitors, residents, bedrooms and the approved care-home use.

“Resolved: That planning permission be GRANTED RECOMMENDATION That planning permission be GRANTED subject to conditions. Condition(s) and Reason(s):”

“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.”

Minutes