Children’s care home at 18 Orion Crescent, Belle Isle, Leeds

The site and surroundings

The property is a two-storey semi-detached house in a mainly residential area, with a driveway, rear garden and nearby public transport, shops and schools.

“The property has a balanced façade with some architectural features, such as a two-storey bay window on the principal elevation, pitched canopy over the front door and a central chimney stack. There is a conservatory to the rear. 8.The application property is set back from the public highway by a small garden and bounded by a 1m high brick wall. There is also an area of hardstanding which is used to provide off-street parking for the residents of the property.”

Officer report

Residents’ concerns

Thirteen objections raised concerns about residential character, noise, anti-social behaviour, parking, safeguarding, property values and care-home saturation.

“December 2023. In response to the notice being displayed, the following comments have been made by third party individuals: Comments in Support: 17.No letters of support were received in relation to this application. Comments in Objection: 18.13 letters of objection were received in relation to this application.”

“Decrease in property values within the area • Gives rise to anti-social behaviour • Highway concerns regarding on-street parking and road safety concerns.”

Officer report

Who spoke at the meeting

Objectors, a local Ward Councillor and the applicant or supporters addressed the Panel and answered members’ questions.

What members discussed

Members considered the limited weight of generic police comments, parking, shift changes, saturation, policy requirements and the role of Ofsted.

“Questions from Panel Members then followed, with officers responding to the questions raised, which included the following: • The weight afforded to West Yorkshire Police comments, which were confirmed as generic and not area-specific, therefore carrying limited weight.”

“Comments from Panel Members, included: • Several Members emphasised the corporate parenting role of elected Members and expressed disappointment at some of the comments raised by Members that had objected to the application, including comments referencing lowering property values if permission was granted.”

Minutes

The vote

A motion to follow the officer recommendation was moved and seconded, and members unanimously resolved to grant permission.

“The Area Planning Manager summarised the discussion.”

“A motion was put forward to move the officer recommendation, as per the submitted report. This was moved and seconded, and it was unanimously RESOLVED – To grant permission. Date and time of the next meeting - 26 February 2026”

Minutes