Children’s residential home at 15 Denmead Road, Southampton

What was proposed

The application sought to change a three-bedroom dwelling into a children’s home for one child aged between seven and eighteen.

“Proposed development: Change of use from a dwelling (Class C3) to children's residential home (Class C2).”

“Proposal 2.1 The application proposes a change of use from a single dwelling house to a children’s care home for 1 child (solo provision), aged between 7 and 18 years. The home will be registered with Ofsted and is designed to provide a safe, supportive, and personalised environment for a child with complex needs, such as emotional or behavioural difficulties, mental health needs, or mild learning difficulties.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The property is a semi-detached house on a mainly residential street, with one off-street parking space and nearby public transport.

“15 Denmead Road comprises a three-bedroom, two-storey semi-detached dwelling located midway along a terrace forming the northern side of Denmead Road. The property benefits from one off-street parking space, with additional on-street parking available within the immediate neighbourhood. Denmead Road itself is a residential street characterised predominantly by semi-detached houses.”

“The area is well served by public transport with bus stops on West End Road and Somerset Avenue.”

Officer report

Earlier planning application

An earlier lawful development certificate application was refused because the proposed change could have different traffic and residential amenity impacts.

“An application for a Certificate of Lawfulness for this proposed use was refused in August 2025. It was considered that the proposed change from a family dwelling (Use Class C3) to a children’s home (Use Class C2) could result in different impacts, particularly in relation to traffic and residential amenity. These potential impacts required further examination and, if necessary, mitigation measures to ensure they would be acceptable.”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval because the proposal would provide needed accommodation and was unlikely to cause unacceptable harm to amenity or character.

“This application would therefore provide much-needed accommodation and can be supported in principle; however, this benefit should be balanced against the impact to the character and amenity of the local area. The relevant impacts of the proposal are further assessed below.”

“The proposal aligns with national and local policy objectives for inclusive communities and care provision. It addresses the shortage of foster placements by providing a safe, structured environment for a child who does not require secure or custodial care. Overall, the use is compatible with the area, offers strong safeguards, and is unlikely to result in unacceptable harm to amenity or character.”

Officer report

Who spoke at the meeting

A local resident objecting, the agent and the applicant addressed the Panel with the Chair’s consent.

Members’ consideration

The Panel considered the recommendation for conditional approval.

“The Panel considered the recommendation that the application be conditionally approved. Upon being put to the vote the recommendation was carried.”

Minutes

The vote and decision

The recommendation was carried, and planning permission was approved subject to the conditions in the report; five councillors voted for and one abstained.

“RESOLVED that planning permission be approved subject to the conditions set out within the report.”

Minutes

Conditions on the permission

The conditions limit the use to the approved home, control alarms and occupancy, require management, travel and waste arrangements, and secure communal and cycle facilities.

“06.Retention and provision of communal spaces (Performance) Prior to the first occupation of the C2 use hereby approved, the communal spaces shall be provided for the occupants in accordance with the approved plans. The rooms labelled kitchen and lounge; and the garden, shown on the plans hereby approved, shall be retained for use by the occupants for communal purposes only to serve the occupiers whilst in C2 use.”

“08.Staff Travel Plan (Pre-Occupation) Prior to first occupation of the development a Staff Travel Plan shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The Travel Plan shall set out measures to minimise on-street parking by care staff, including encouragement of sustainable travel modes and car-sharing arrangements. The approved Travel Plan shall be implemented and maintained thereafter.”

Officer report