Two-child care home at 81 George Avenue, Birkby, Huddersfield

“The application seeks planning permission for the change of use from a dwelling (use class C3) to a residential care home (use class C2). The care home will accommodate up to two young people at any one time and will be staffed 24/7. The home will operate on a 2:1 staffing ratio, meaning two staff members will be allocated to support each child.”

“The site relates to 81 George Avenue, a two-storey semi-detached property located in Birkby, Huddersfield. The site is unallocated on the Kirklees Local Plan and is situated within a predominantly residential area. The majority of the surrounding dwellings are faced in red brick and are highly varied in terms of size and architectural styles. There are no Listed Buildings or Public Rights of Way (PROW) within immediate proximity to the site.”

“RELEVANT PLANNING HISTORY (including enforcement history):”

“No amendments were sought or received during the course of the application.”

“KC Highways Development Management - The proposed use will not intensify vehicle movements or parking requirements over and above a normal large residential property. As such, the proposal is considered acceptable to Highways Development Management.”

“KC Ecology - No comments to make on this from an ecological perspective.”

“- Increased traffic and parking demands. - Loss of residential character. - Pressure on local amenities and services. - Staff arriving for and leaving shifts, traffic from visitors, deliveries, and ambulances will all create extra noise and disturbance. - Construction work would affect residents due to the extra unnecessary visual and noise pollution. - The care home would potentially reduce value of the properties on the street.”

“- The proposed property is located within a quiet, residential area, primarily composed of family homes. The change of use to a care facility for teenagers with significant emotional, behavioural, or medical needs represents a substantial departure from the existing residential character. - This type of care home will require not only 24 hour support but also regular visits from a variety of external professionals.”

“This application for planning permission is brought to the District-Wide Planning Sub-Committee due to the significant number of representations contrary to the officer recommendation, as per the Council’s Scheme of Delegation. Through the publicity process, 19 representations were received, all in objection.”

“A recorded vote was taken, in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 42(5), as set out below: For: Councillors Bellamy, Davies, Homewood, Lee-Richards, McCarthy and Scott (6 votes) Against: Councillor Sokhal (1 vote)”

“RESOLVED – That approval of the application and the issuing of the decision notice be delegated to the Head of Planning and Development, in order to complete the list of conditions including those contained within the report, as set out below:”

“Development to commence within 3 years. In accordance with plans. Restrict the maximum number of children. In accordance with management plan.”