Children’s care home at 42 Malvern Road, Gillingham

What was proposed

The application sought to change a single dwelling into a children’s care home for up to two children, without external changes.

“Location: Malvern Road, Gillingham, Medway, ME7 4BA Proposal: Change of use from Class (C3) Single dwelling house to Class (C2) Residential Institution (Children's Care Home) for up to 2 children Applicant [name withheld]…”

“The proposal is for a change of use from a residential dwelling (Class C3) to a children’s care home (Class C2). No external changes are proposed to the property.”

Officer report

The site and layout

The property has living, staff and bedroom accommodation, a rear garden, and no proposed parking, with on-street parking nearby.

“Basement - Storage Ground Floor – Entrance Hall, living room, office/staff room, kitchen/dining room, WC, and utility room. First Floor – Two bedrooms for the children and one staff bedroom. Loft/Second Floor – Staff bedroom.”

“There is no parking proposed as part of the development. There is on-street parking available on Malvern Road and the surrounding roads.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Two earlier change-of-use applications were withdrawn, while permission was granted for a rear extension, window replacement and conservatory demolition.

“MC/24/2536 Change of use from C3 residential dwelling C2 Care Home Withdrawn 7 February 2025 MC/24/2114 Application for LDC (proposed) for the change of use from C3 residential dwelling to C3(b) dwellinghouse (up to 6 people living together as a single household receiving care). Withdrawn 27 November 2024 MC/24/1716 Construction of a single-storey extension to rear, replace windows to front elevation - demolish conservatory Approval with conditions 18 October 2024”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval, finding a proven need and acceptable living conditions without unacceptable effects on the area or neighbours.

“It is considered that there is a proven need for accommodation for looked after children and that the property meets the size and other criteria required by policy to provide a good standard of amenity for residents in as close to a family environment as possible, but without impacting unacceptably on the character of the area or the amenities of neighbouring residents.”

“The application would normally be determined under delegated powers but is being referred to Planning Committee due to the extent of the representations received expressing a view contrary to the recommendation. _________________________________________________________ Background Papers…”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Five objections concerned parking, traffic, safety, the conservation area, comings and goings, noise and antisocial behaviour; Kent Police suggested security measures.

“Impact on parking Impact on conservation area Increase in traffic and safety issues. Increase in comings and goings. Noise and anti-social behaviour…”

“Kent Police have commented that if the application is approved, recommendations for Designing Out Crime, Crime Prevention and Community Safety and to meet our Local Authority statutory duties under Section 17 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 are followed with particular reference to:”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Senior Planner, Service Manager and Chairperson explained the proposal, parking controls, possible vehicle movements and the separate operating approval.

What members discussed

Members noted a shortage of suitable care provision, while discussing parking pressures, staff travel and the enforceability of restrictions on driving.

“The Senior Planner explained that there were parking pressures within the local area. The supporting statement outlined that staff members would be advised that they could not drive to work using their own private car, however, as this would be difficult to enforce, a condition for the Travel Management Plan would be included towards public transport or other sustainable forms of transport.”

“The Service Manager - Development Management clarified that it would be difficult to enforce a requirement for no member of for staff ever to drive to work as there could be many different reasons why staff members needed to drive, however, the applicant would encourage the use of public transport.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee approved the application with conditions 1 to 6, amending condition 2’s approved-plan wording, for the reasons given in the recommendation.

“Approved with conditions 1 to 6 as set out in the report for the reasons stated in the report with condition 2 being amended as follows:”

“The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans:”

Minutes