Children's home at 15 Forest Edge, Buckhurst Hill

What was proposed

The application sought to change a dwelling into a children’s home for up to two children, supported by a manager and carers.

“The proposed change of use from C3 (residential dwelling) to C2 (residential institution) for up to two children, with a manager attending during the day, a resident carer and an additional carer who will sleep overnight, working on a rota basis is not considered a material change of use considering there are no external changes to the dwelling or to the character and appearance of the building and wider setting.”

Officer report

The site

The site is a two-storey link-detached house in a leafy suburban area, about 50 metres from Epping Forest.

“The site comprises a two-storey link detached dwellinghouse located within a built-up area of Buckhurst Hill. Surrounding area is a leafy suburban setting comprising predominately post-war residential dwellings. It is not in a Conservation Area. It is not a Listed Building nor is it sited in the Metropolitan Green Belt or Flood Zone. There are no protected trees on site. The site also lies some 50m away from the Epping Forest Special Area of Conservation (EFSAC).”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier applications for children’s homes and extensions were refused, while an application for a garage conversion and porch was approved with conditions.

“EPF/1232/25 - Change of use of dwelling (C3a) to children's home, for up to two children, with a manager, a resident carer and an additional carer who will sleep overnight, working on a rota basis. 03/09/2025. Refuse.”

“EPF/1149/15 - Garage conversion, erection of porch and internal alterations. 14/05/2015. Approve with Conditions.”

Officer report

What people said

Twenty-four responses raised concerns including disturbance, crime, environmental harm, accommodation standards, vulnerable children and the property’s suitability.

“Objections raised broadly cover the following:”

“Institutional intensification detrimental to the character and appearance of the area. • Structured disturbance / comings and goings. • Fear of crime. • Harm to the EFSAC. • Non-compliance with accommodation standards. • Change of character to commercial use. • Vulnerable residents. • Children are vulnerable and could get lost in the forest or on railway lines. • 3 staff for 2 children - waste of council money. • Sufficiency Strategy shows a low need in the area.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee heard from the planning officer, an objector, the applicant and the ward councillor.

Committee discussion

Members discussed the planning merits and sought an additional condition requiring the use to follow the submitted management plan.

“The Committee discussed the planning merits of the application but wanted a condition for the management plan. The proposal for a condition to ensure the management plan would be put in place was proposed by Councillor M Dadd and seconded by Councillor J Lucas. The vote to approve the application with this additional condition was carried.”

Minutes

The vote

Councillors approved the application with the additional management-plan condition.

“The Committee voted to APPROVE the application with an additional condition for the management plan, as detailed below:”

Minutes

Additional condition

The management plan must govern the operation, and changes to it require the planning authority’s written approval.

“The use hereby permitted shall operate in accordance with the details submitted in the Management Plan for application EPF/2269/25. Any alterations to the details provided in the Management Plan requires prior written approval from the Local Planning Authority.”

Minutes