Children’s care home at 17 Poulders Gardens, Sandwich

What was proposed

The application sought to change a semi-detached dwelling into a care home for up to two children aged 8 to 16.

“25/01220 –– Change of use from a dwelling house (Use Class C3a) to residential children's/young people’s care home (Use Class C2) - 17 Poulders Gardens, Sandwich…”

“The application site is located within the existing settlement confines of Sandwich. The application proposes the change of use of a semi-detached dwelling with off street parking for 2 cars to the front. At the time of the site visit, a single storey rear extension was under construction, and a car and skip were on the parking area.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier rear extension applications included two conditional approvals and one refusal.

“DOV/25/00941 - Erection of rear extension, extending beyond rear wall of the original dwelling by 4.50m, with a height of 2.89m and eaves 2.46m – conditional approval.”

“DOV/24/01253 - Erection of a rear extension, which would extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by 3.8m, for which the maximum height would be 3.6m, and for which the height of the eaves would be 3.5m – conditional approval.”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval because the proposal would provide social infrastructure, retain residential accommodation and be acceptable in material respects.

“Policy SP2 supports the creation of healthy, inclusive and safe communities. This application proposes the change of use from a residential dwelling to a children’s care home.”

“The care home will have 2 bedrooms and be used by 2 children aged 8-18. With a third bedroom being available to staff if the need arises. The proposal would be to support vulnerable children. Whilst there would be a loss of a family dwellinghouse, this building would continue to provide housing accommodation for a particular group of people living in the district.”

Officer report

Main planning issues

The assessment considered the development principle, visual appearance, residential amenity, highways and parking.

“Principle of development. • Impact upon visual amenity of the area. • Impact upon residential amenity • Highways and Parking Assessment…”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The environment officer raised no objection after receiving a noise management plan, while Sandwich Town Council objected.

“Dover District Councils Environment Officer – No objection. Initially requested a condition seeking the submission of a noise management plan, which was subsequently received. Further comments confirm no objection raised.”

Officer report

What people said

Most public letters objected, citing noise, privacy, parking, over-intensification, uncertainty about management and other concerns; two supported the proposal.

“Public representations 40 Letters of public representations have been received and are summarised below. 38 letters objected and 2 are in support. Objecting • Noise and disturbance (antisocial behaviour, coming and goings of staff). • Sound proofing is insufficient between properties.”

“Invasion of privacy (CCTV cameras). • Motion sensors will impact on neighbours. • Highway safety, access and parking. • Out of character for the area; family dwellinghouses are within the area. • Over intensification of the property. • A detached house would be more suitable for this use. • Given the bedroom sizes it could be used for up to 6 people, as an HMO. • Uncertainty of the long-term use and management of the home.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Councillor D G Beaney spoke in favour, and Councillors Back and Nee supported the proposal with soundproofing safeguards.

Members’ discussion

Members considered the children’s occupation comparable to normal residential use and supported addressing noise through management and acoustic improvements.

“Councillor D G Beaney spoke in favour of the proposal, welcoming the fact that the children would be given the opportunity to live in a normal, residential street. He also supported the idea of soundproofing the house. Councillor Back commented that the proposal presented no more of a risk of noisy children than normal residential occupation.”

Minutes

The committee vote

The committee resolved to approve the application subject to conditions.

“RESOLVED: (a) That Application No DOV/25/01220 be APPROVED subject to the following conditions:”

“(iv) Restriction on the use of parking spaces;”

Minutes