Children’s home at 141 Heath Lane, Earl Shilton, Leicester

What was proposed

The application sought to change a dwelling into a children’s home for up to three children, with a bin store and cycle shelter.

“Proposal: Proposed change of use of dwellinghouse (Use Class C3) to residential children’s home (Use Class C2) for up to three children under the age of 18 years old and provision of bin store and cycle shelter…”

“This planning application seeks full planning permission for the change of use of a dwellinghouse (Use Class C3) to a residential children’s home (Use Class C2) for up to three children at 141 Heath Lane, Earl Shilton. No external alterations are proposed to the existing property, but the scheme includes the provision of a bin store and a cycle shelter.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is a two-storey home on Heath Lane, surrounded by residential development, with schools nearby and no distinctive street character.

“The 285sqm application site is to the west of Earl Shilton and comprises a two-storey residential property that is predominantly constructed in red brick. The site is situated on the southern side of Heath Lane, approximately 54m to the northeast of the junction of heath Lane with The Drive. Heath Lane is an adopted but unclassified road that is subject to a 30mph speed limit.”

“The site is wholly surrounded by the residential built form within Earl Shilton to east and Barwell to the west, and Heath Lane Academy is located to the north of the site and Fusion Academy is adjacent to the southern boundary of the site. Due to the variety of styles and designs of buildings within the vicinity of the site, there is no discernible unique character to the street scene.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Drainage, environmental services and the local highway authority raised no objections subject to conditions, while both parish councils did not comment.

“There have been no objections from Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council’s Drainage or Environmental Services Departments, or Leicestershire County Council as the Local Highway Authority, subject to planning conditions.”

“Earl Shilton Town Council and Barwell Parish Council did not comment on the planning application.”

Officer report

Residents’ objections

Five objections from six addresses raised concerns about child safety, noise, disturbance, anti-social behaviour, residential amenity, parking and flooding.

“The application has been publicised by sending out letters to local residents. Five objections have been received from or on behalf of six separate addresses for reasons including child safety concerns, noise and disturbance, increased anti-social behaviour, harm to neighbouring residential amenity, off-street parking concerns, and flooding concerns. No further responses have been received.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent spoke about the application.

The committee vote

Councillor Bray moved, Councillor R Allen seconded, and the committee resolved to grant permission subject to the officer’s conditions.

“It was moved by Councillor Bray, seconded by Councillor R Allen and…”

“RESOLVED – Permission be granted subject to the conditions outlined in the officer’s report.”

Minutes

The conditions

The conditions included implementing parking and turning facilities and limiting occupation to no more than three children at one time.

“The development hereby permitted shall not be occupied until such time as the parking and turning facilities have been implemented in accordance with Proposed Block Plan, drawing number 002. Thereafter the onsite parking (and turning) provision shall be kept available for such uses in perpetuity.”

“The dwelling shall not be occupied by more than three children at any one time.”

Officer report