Children’s care home at 57 Cordale Road, Aylesham, Canterbury

What was proposed

The application proposed changing a dwellinghouse from Class C3 to a Class C2 children’s care home for up to three children.

“The proposed care home (use class C2) will provide residential accommodation for up to 3 children for ages between 11-15 (and beyond if required). 2 members of staff will provide 24/7 care for the children on site at any one time with a total of 4 members of staff, on a 12-hour rota basis.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Earlier applications granted residential development, amendments, variations, reserved matters and associated infrastructure for Aylesham.

“DOV/08/01095 - Amendments to submitted scheme for : A) Outline consent for a residential development of up to 1210 dwellings, associated infrastructure and works, including new and enhanced sports and leisure grounds and facilities; new shops and apartments with alterations to existing shops and apartments; temporary construction access and compound areas an area of live work units, new and altered roads, parking facilities and traffic management within and nearby to…”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the proposal would retain residential accommodation, support vulnerable children and provide additional social infrastructure in a sustainable location.

“Given the proposed development would retain a level of residential accommodation, the development is acceptable in all material respects and is therefore recommended for approval. g) Recommendation I FULL PERMISSION BE GRANTED with the following conditions: Time limit 2. Drawings 3.”

Officer report

Effects on neighbours and parking

Officers considered there would be no unacceptable effects on neighbours, no evidence of increased disturbance, and acceptable parking for the proposed use.

“Character and Appearance 2.7 The proposed development does not result in any external changes to the building, as such it is considered that the proposal would not detract from the character and appearance of the locality in accordance with the policies PM1 and PM2 of the Local Plan and the NPPF.”

“Highway Safety 2.10 The 2 parking spaces to the front of the dwellinghouse would be retained, which would be considered an acceptable level of parking provision for the proposed use of the development. As such, given the above, it is considered that the proposal would be in accordance with policies TI3, TI2 and TI3. Other Matters 2.12 Third parties have commented that there is a covenant on the property which would prevent the proposed development.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Principal Planner explained the proposal and planning considerations, while the Chairman and councillors discussed which concerns fell within planning matters.

The decision and conditions

The committee approved the application subject to conditions covering time, drawings, the number of children and waste storage.

“RESOLVED: (a) That Application No DOV/25/00536 be APPROVED subject to the following conditions:”

“(b) That powers be delegated to the Head of Planning and Development to settle any necessary planning conditions in line with the issues set out in the recommendation and as resolved by the Planning Committee.”

Minutes