One-person care home at 15 Waterdale Close, Hardwicke, Gloucester

What was proposed

The application sought to change a single dwelling into a care home for one young person with complex needs, without external alterations.

“The Senior Planning Officer introduced the item as a change of use from a single dwelling in a residential area to a care home for up to one young person with complex needs. The proposals included no external changes, but internal adaptations included: • A reduction in the number of bedrooms from six to one, • Installation of an ensuite bathroom, • Addition of a therapy room, sensory room, and office space, • Creation of a sleeping room for the carers.”

Minutes

Earlier application and highways

An earlier proposal for more children and staff was refused because it intensified the dwelling and lacked sufficient parking and safe access.

“The Senior Planning Officer informed the Committee that there had been a previous application for a greater number of children, with up to four staff. This had been refused by Officers as the site would have been intensified to a degree which went beyond that of a private residential dwelling. Gloucestershire County Council (GCC) Highways had also raised an objection with the previous application due to the lack of parking provision and safety of access.”

Minutes

Officer advice

The recommendation was for approval because one resident and two carers reduced intensification, while updated tracking showed vehicles could enter and leave forwards.

“Officers considered that the reduction in occupancy to one individual with two carers at any one time reduced the intensification from the previous application, as the existing dwelling could have feasibly housed a large family with a number of vehicles. GCC Highways had removed their objection in the late pages after the applicant had provided an updated vehicle tracking plan, showing that vehicles could enter and leave in a forward gear.”

Minutes

Who spoke

The ward councillor’s statement, the parish council and a member of the public spoke against the application.

The vote

The motion carried with eight votes in favour, two against and two abstentions.

“After being put to a vote, the motion was carried with eight votes in favour, two votes against, and two abstentions.”

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The decision

Planning permission was granted.

“RESOVED That planning permission was granted.”

Minutes