Children’s home at 37 Upper Stoneyfield, Harlow

What was proposed

The application sought to change a dwelling into a children’s home for two children aged 8 to 18, with 24-hour non-resident care.

“Change of use from existing use class C3 (Dwellinghouse) to use class C2 (Children's Home) for a duo placement for children aged 8-18 with 24-hour care provided by non-resident carers.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

The application followed an earlier certificate application for the same type of use, which was found not to be lawful.

“This application seeks full planning permission for the change of use from single dwellinghouse (Class C3) to children’s care home (Class C2). It would facilitate the provision of residential accommodation for two children aged between 8 and 18. The application follows the refused HW/LDCP/25/00309, which sought a Certificate of Lawful Use for the change of use from existing Use Class C3 (Dwellinghouse) to Use Class C2 (Children's Residential Care Home).”

“In this instance, it was considered that the increased comings and goings to the property would amount to a material change of use, thereby requiring planning permission.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the proposal would provide residential accommodation and was acceptable in terms of character, amenity, parking and highways.

“The proposal seeks permission for the change of use from single dwellinghouse (Use Class C3) to children’s care home (Use Class C2). It is considered acceptable in terms of character and appearance, residential amenity and parking/highways considerations. It complies with the relevant policies within the Local Plan and supplementary documents and is recommended for approval accordingly, subject to the imposition of appropriate conditions.”

Officer report

Objections received

Sixteen representations objected, citing parking and highway safety, noise, disturbance, safety, and concern that the use would not suit the residential area.

“- Parking/Highway Safety: will exacerbate local parking stress (staff changeovers, external visitors; professional visits etc); cul-de-sac already used by workers at the hospital (due to car park costs); traffic generation; impact accessibility for emergency vehicles;”

“- Amenity: noise generation; disturbance; safety;”

Officer report

Who spoke

Three objectors addressed the committee.

The committee’s decision

The committee granted planning permission subject to the conditions set out in the officer recommendation.

“Representations were heard from 3 objectors.”

“RESOLVED that planning permission be GRANTED subject to the conditions in the Officer’s report.”

Minutes