Children's home at 8 Beech Grove, Manchester

What was proposed

The application sought to change a five-bed shared house into a children’s home for up to three children aged 11 to 18.

“Proposal Change of use from a House in Multiple Occupation (Class C4) to a children's home for up to three children (Class C2).”

“This application is for the change of use of the property from a House in Multiple Occupation to a children’s home for three children aged between 11 and 18. Three support workers and a manager would be present on site and would offer 1:1 support. No physical alterations are proposed to the property.”

Officer report

The site

The property is a two-storey semi-detached home in a residential area, with adjoining homes on three sides and across the road.

“Beech Grove is a two storey semi-detached residential property, the authorised use is that of a five bed House in Multiple Occupation (Class C4). There is a small walled garden to the front of the property and a small garden to the rear previously laid to lawn. Access to the rear of the property is taken down a shared ginnel between two pairs of semi-detached properties.”

Officer report

Earlier committee consideration

The application had previously been deferred so the committee could visit the site, and members later visited the property and its rear garden.

“The application had appeared at the previous Planning Committee meeting in October and had been deferred for a site visit.”

“The Planning Officer stated that there had been a site visit conducted at the site that morning to review the context of the scheme in relation to neighbours and the surrounding area which included entrance into the property and the rear garden. There was a Late Representation from a Community Support Officer in support of the application and was willing to work with the applicant to go forward and have the scheme involved in the local community.”

Minutes

The officers’ advice

Officers recommended approval because the small, domestic-scale use was considered compatible with the area and unlikely to cause significant harm.

“In terms of general activity associated with the proposed use, both within the dwelling and in the rear garden, it is considered that such activity would be domestic in nature and scale. As such, it is not anticipated that it would result in any significant harm to the residential amenity of neighbouring occupiers.”

“The proposed use is one that is compatible in a residential neighbourhood such as this one. The scale and nature of the children’s home is modest and comparable to that of a typical larger family dwelling, and it is not anticipated that it would result in any significant harm to residential or visual amenity. The absence of external alterations ensures that the character and appearance of the property and surrounding area would be preserved.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Children’s Commissioning and ward councillors raised concerns, while residents and the civic society did not object; environmental health and highways suggested measures.

“Withington Civic Society – The civic society have confirmed they have no observation to make in respect of the proposal.”

“Children’s Commissioning – Children’s Commissioning would not support the proposal as there are already 53 children’s homes operating in Manchester. There are six children’s homes in the M14 area and as a result would not support further homes in this area of Manchester.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant supported the proposal and explained its care approach, while no objector attended and a community support officer backed it.

Members’ discussion

Members said the site visit was helpful, the setting was suitable, and concerns had been addressed through good management and maintenance.

“Councillor Gartside stated that the site visit had been very helpful, noting the landscaping improvements, and collaborative approach with Ward Councillors on the application and moved the officer recommendation.”

“Councillor Kilpatrick stated that this was an admirable application, adding that the site visit confirmed that this was a good setting for it, noted that more of these types of homes were needed across the city and seconded the motion.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee approved the application for the reasons and subject to the conditions in the officer report.

“The Committee resolved to approve the application for the reasons and subject to the conditions set out within the report.”

Minutes