Children’s home for four children at 5 The Old School, Brickwall Lane, Sefton

What was proposed

The application sought to change supported accommodation for 16–18-year-olds into a children’s home for up to four children aged 8–17.

“Proposal: Change of use from supported accommodation (Class C3) to Childrens home (Class C2) for children aged 8-17 for a maximum of up to 4no. children.”

“The proposal seeks planning permission to change the use of supported accommodation for 16-18 year olds to a children’s home to provide care for up to four children aged between 8– 17.”

Officer report

The site

The five-bedroom property is in a small residential cluster near the southern end of the village and conservation area, surrounded by Green Belt on three sides.

“The application relates to a five-bedroom property, currently in use as a supported accommodation service (16-18yr olds), which is located within a small cluster of buildings which surround a central courtyard. It is towards the South end of Sefton Village and the Sefton Village Conservation Area. The property is part of a small strip of residential properties which are surrounded by the Green Belt to the East, West and South.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the proposal complied with planning policies and could operate without significant harm to neighbours or the area’s character.

“On balance, the use of the premises as a care home for four children can be accommodated without causing significant harm to the living conditions of the neighbouring residents or the character of the area. Whilst there are concerns about crime and disorder within the area, the applicant has provided multiple safeguards in terms of policy and procedures, whilst also having a complaints’ procedure in place.”

“In summary, the proposal complies with the relevant Local Plan policies and the National Planning Policy Framework and is recommended for approval, subject to conditions.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Highways, environmental health, children’s services and heritage officers raised no objection, with highways requiring a condition.

“Highways Manager No objection subject to a condition.”

“Environmental Health Manager No objection.”

Officer report

What residents said

Eighteen objections raised concerns about disturbance, traffic, crime, safety, staffing, infrastructure, location and the village’s character.

“- Created tension with the community. - Taking away character of historic village. - Lacks infrastructure. - Removes privacy and security for residents due to open plan and private courtyard. - Village covered by article 4. - Small and close knit community. - Within a historic village so resident had the re-assurance of a peaceful and quiet environment, which recently has not been the case. - Noisy martial arts training session on 7 th August.”

“The presence of 4 children and 7 staff members, operating in shifts, is likely to result in increased noise, activity, and general disturbance. Sefton Village is a quiet, semi- rural location, and the proposed use would be incompatible with its established residential character. - Not the correct location in this quiet residential area. - Supposed to contribute to the maintenance and upkeep of the courtyard.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The ward councillor made written representations for objectors, and the applicant responded.

What members discussed

Members considered residents’ concerns and the aim of prioritising the premises for children from Sefton, which they considered could be addressed through a management plan.

“Arising from the discussion Members considered the issues raised by local residents and the aspiration to prioritise the use of the premises by children from Sefton. It was considered that these issues could be addressed by way of a suitable management plan for the premises.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee approved the application subject to the report’s conditions and an additional management plan agreed by the Chief Planning Officer with the Chair.

“That the recommendation be approved and the application be granted subject to the conditions and for the reasons stated or referred to in the report and in Late Representations and subject to the addition of a management plan to be agreed by Chief Planning Officer in consultation with Chair.”

Minutes

Conditions added

The permission included conditions on commencement, approved plans, cycle storage and an updated statement of purpose for Sefton’s children’s needs.

“3) The use hereby approved shall not commence until facilities for the secure storage of cycles have been provided in accordance with details to be submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority and they shall be retained for the life of the development.”

“4) The use hereby approved shall not commence until a new statement of purpose which has taken into account Sefton’s specified needs within children’s homes and how the provider will keep Sefton up to date regarding vacancies for children has been submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority.”

Officer report