Therapeutic children's home at 3 Eaton Place, Caterham

What was proposed

The application sought to change a dwelling into a therapeutic children’s home for up to two children aged 7–17, with no external alterations.

“Application: 2025/1147 Location: Eaton Place, Caterham, Surrey, CR3 5GT Proposal: Change of use of residential dwelling (Use Class C3) to a small therapeutic children’s home (Use Class C2) to provide high- quality, therapeutic residential accommodation for up to two children aged 7–17 years. Ward: Westway…”

“The proposal seeks planning approval for the change of use of residential dwelling (Use Class C3(c)) to a small therapeutic children’s home (Use Class…”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is a three-bedroom terraced home in a quiet private residential cul-de-sac, with one allocated parking space and similar homes nearby.

“3 Eaton Place is a two-storey, three-bedroom terraced dwelling located within a quiet residential cul-de-sac in Caterham. The property comprises: a ground- floor entrance hall, kitchen/dining area, living room and access to a private rear garden; first-floor bedrooms with en-suite and shared family bathroom; and a second-floor bedroom. A single parking space is allocated opposite the property on the shared forecourt.”

“The surrounding area is predominantly residential, consisting of similar terraced and semi-detached family homes. Caterham town centre is within a short walk or bus ride, providing shops, community services and leisure facilities.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier applications included extensions, a loft conversion, conservatories and housing proposals, with approvals and one appeal allowed.

“2007/1647 - Demolition of 52 & 54 Foxon Lane. Erection of 2 x 4-bed, 4 x 3- bed houses and 2 x 3-bed houses with associated parking and access. Refuse 27/11/2007 Appeal Allowed…”

“2002/268 - Conversion of loft with installation of Velux windows. (application for a certificate of lawfulness for a proposed development). Certificate for Proposed Use Allowed 22/03/2002”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the home would retain its domestic character and was considered acceptable for neighbours, the area and highway safety.

“The proposal site is located within the parish of Caterham-on-the-Hill and is covered by the Caterham, Chaldon & Whyteleafe Neighbourhood Plan (2021). The proposed change of use would not involve any major changes to the interior and exterior fabric of the building. Therefore, the assessment is whether the change of use would have a noticeable, negative impact on the function of the building as a family dwelling or on the character of the area and neighbouring amenities.”

“It is considered that the information provided with the application indicates that the proposal site would still function as a family dwelling, that the use would not detract from the character of the area and would not impact adversely on neighbouring amenity, or the adjoining highway and is therefore considered to be acceptable.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The highway authority found no material effect on highway safety, while the parish council made no comment and the county supported local children’s placements.

“Surrey County Council: Assistant Director of Corporate Parenting Commissioning – “The provider Atlas is developing a proposed new children’s home in Caterham to care for one child. The development of smaller, family sized children’s homes in Surrey enables placements to be made in county and avoids children needing to move many miles away, thereby supporting Surrey County Council’s Looked After Children’s Sufficiency Strategy.”

“The provider Atlas has experience in the social care sector and already operates Ofsted regulated children’s homes. Atlas are working with Surrey County Council to shape their new provision to meet the needs of Surrey children. They have also expressed an intention to work with Surrey County Council in prioritising Surrey children for placements.”

Officer report

Who spoke

An objector spoke against the application, while a representative of the applicant spoke in support.

The committee’s concerns

Members proposed refusal because parking was insufficient and the use would cause traffic, noise and general disturbance affecting neighbouring properties.

“The proposal would provide insufficient off-street parking required for a change of use to a therapeutic residential care home, leading to conditions prejudicial to the amenities of the immediate area, local residents and to the existing and future occupiers of the dwellings.”

“The proposed change of use would not integrate with the immediate neighbouring properties or meet the needs of its residents. As such, the proposal would harm the amenities of immediate neighbouring properties by reason of traffic disturbance in relation to the coming and goings of staff, occupiers and visitors, noise transmission and disturbance from the proposed use and other general disturbance.”

Minutes

The vote

The refusal motions were seconded and approved when put to the vote.

“The motions were seconded by Councillor Sherry. Upon being put to the vote the motions were approved.”

Minutes

The final decision

Planning permission was refused.

“R E S O L V E D – that planning permission be refused.”

Minutes