Children’s care home at 10 Folgate Lane, Walpole St Andrew, Wisbech

What was proposed

The application sought retrospective change from a six-resident cared-for household to a care home for up to three children aged 8 to 18.

“25/01661/CU Walpole: Folgate Lane, Walpole St Andrew: Retrospective application of change of use of a house of six residents (care included) (C3b) to a care home up to three children aged 8 – 18 (C2): Gabriela James…”

“The case officer introduced the report and explained that the application was a retrospective application for the change of use of a house of six residents (care included) (Use Class C3(b)) to a care home up to three children (Use Class C2) at No.10 Folgate Lane in Walpole St Andrew. No.10 was a three-bedroom bungalow.”

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The site

The site was a three-bedroom bungalow of about 0.08 hectares within the development boundary and neighbourhood plan area.

“The application site was approximately 0.08ha in size, was located to the north-west side of Folgate Lane, which was located within the development boundary and Neighbourhood Plan area of Walpole St Peter, St Andrew and Marsh.”

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Officers’ recommendation

Officers considered the proposal acceptable in principle and found its scale comparable to a dwelling, with no unacceptable effects on neighbours or the locality.

“The application seeks to change the use of a residential dwelling (Use Class C3) to a residential care home for up to three children aged 8 - 18 (Use Class C2). The application site is an existing three-bedroom dwelling in Walpole St Andrews, a Key Rural Service Centre, where the sustainability of the site is considered acceptable being within the development boundary of Walpole St Andrews.”

“Although concerns were raised by third parties and the Parish Council, regarding form and character, impact on neighbour impact (noise and disturbance, and crime/disorder), and highways safety, it is considered that the proposed scale of operations of the proposed use would be similar to the residential use a dwelling of this size and would not have any unacceptably detrimental impacts on neighbours or the locality as a whole.”

Officer report

Public comments

Twenty-five comments objected mainly over noise, traffic, parking, safety, behaviour and location, while seven supported care for vulnerable young people.

“Summarised OBJECTION comments: • Noise pollution • Number of traffic movements - noise exacerbated by gravel parking area. Average traffic movements of a 'normal house' with two parents would average 2 movements per day according to NTS Accredited National Statistics 2022. • Inadequate parking on site for the amount of carers, visitors, and other vehicles attending the site.”

“Summarised SUPPORTING comments: • The home will provide much-needed support for vulnerable young people who require a safe, stable, and nurturing environment. High-quality residential care settings like this one play an important role in our community, ensuring children who cannot live with their families receive the care, guidance, and stability they deserve. • Comments about the Applicant's character…”

Officer report

Who spoke

A representative speaking for a supporter addressed the committee under the public speaking protocol.

Committee debate

Members proposed temporary permission for one year so the community and care provider could address concerns and review the situation.

“Councillor Mrs Spikings proposed that temporary permission be granted for a one-year period to allow for a review of the situation after a year. This would give the community and the care provider an opportunity to address concerns. This was seconded by Councillor Storey.”

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The vote

The proposal for a 12-month temporary approval carried with 13 votes in favour and one abstention.

“The Democratic Services Officer then carried out a roll call on the proposal to approve the application for a 12-month temporary period and, after having been put to the vote was carried (13 votes for and 1 abstention).”

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The decision

The application was approved for a temporary 12-month period.

“RESOLVED: That the application be approved for a temporary 12- month period.”

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