Children’s home at 17 Far View Crescent, Almondbury, Huddersfield

The site and surroundings

The site is a detached, two-storey dwelling on a residential cul-de-sac, with a driveway, rear garden and woodland behind it.

“. SITE AND SURROUNDINGS The application site relates to a detached, two storey dwelling located on Far View Crescent, a residential cul-de-sac in Almondbury. The dwelling is a flat roofed structure finished in stone and cladding which serves 6 bedrooms and associated living area. There is a driveway to the front and a garden to the rear.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier certificates of lawfulness were withdrawn or refused because officers considered the proposed use changed the property’s character and required full planning assessment.

“RELEVANT PLANNING HISTORY 2024/93381 - Certificate of lawfulness for proposed use as residential children’s home - Withdrawn 2025/90229 Certificate of lawfulness for proposed change of use from dwelling (use class C3) to residential care home (use class C2) – Refused 2025/90962 Certificate of lawfulness for proposed change of use of dwelling to children’s home – Refused The applications for Lawful Development Certificates (LDC) under applications 2025/20229 and 2025/90962…”

“The proposed plan initially showed an alteration to the front of the dwelling. Clarity was sought from the applicant regarding whether any changes are proposed and amended plans were submitted showing no changes. This was not readvertised as it would not cause any additional harm to any of the interested parties. 6 .”

Officer report

Main concerns raised

Objectors raised concerns about traffic, parking, noise, safety, biodiversity, residential character, children’s suitability and community effects.

“Fails to meet Ofsted, Department of Health and Building Regulations. • Questioned whether officers had undertaken a site visit Suitability for children • Unclear how many children or how old. • Refurb is cheap and would be low quality housing for the children. • Maintenance of the property/garden. • No sizeable garden area. • Limited activities for young people to do nearby. • Lack of recreational space. Community Impact • Street is mainly elderly residents.”

“There is animosity created by Lighthouse Care and all individual residents which could be seen as a safeguarding issue for any under 18 year old services users due to the negative relations created by the care company and this should not be deemed a suitable situation in which to be caring for vulnerable children Visual and residential impact • Would change the character of the residential area. • Occupants enjoy a quiet lifestyle.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee heard speakers presenting objections and speakers representing the applicant.

The committee vote

The recorded vote had four votes for approval, no votes against and three abstentions.

“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:”

“A recorded vote was taken, in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 42(5), as set out below: For: Councillors Bellamy, Homewood, McCarthy and Scott (4 votes) Against: 0 votes Abstain: Councillors Davies, Lee-Richards and Sokhal.”

Minutes

The decision

Approval was delegated to the Head of Planning and Development, subject to conditions covering timing, approved plans, the number of children and the management plan.

“Standard conditions regarding time scale. In full accordance with plans. Restrict maximum number of children. In accordance with management plan.”

Minutes