Children's care home at Old Midge Hall Farm, Scarisbrick, Southport

“PROPOSAL: Change of use to C2 children's care home for up to 3no children and up to 5no care staff…”

“The application seeks permission for the change of use to a C2 children's care home for up to 3no children with up to 5no care staff.”

“The application relates to a detached five bedroomed property. The property sits within its own private gated gardens. The site is located on the north side of Wyke Wood Lane. A neighbouring dwelling known as Old Midge Hall Farm uses the same access track.”

“A certificate of Lawfulness for the use of the property as a care home for up to 3 children and up to 2no carers was permitted in 2023 (application reference: 2023/0378/LDP). An advisory note was attached to this permission which defined the use approved was based on certain criteria one criterion being; 'There are no more than two staff on duty at any one time'. It was found that this would not give rise to a material change of use.”

“2023/0378/LDP - Certificate of Lawfulness - Proposed change of use from an existing dwellinghouse (C3 Use Class) to a Children's Care Home for no more than 3 children (C2 Use Class) – Permitted and now in operation…”

“In regard to the call in request to assess the health and safety implications of the site location, with it being sited close to a ditch and the condition of the access road, on the children/young people residing at the premises. It has been stated within the supporting information that the application site is secure with an electric operated gate and a large secure garden space, this was also observed on the officer's site visit.”

“In consultation with LCC Highways the access remains unaltered and the amount of parking available within the site is acceptable for the intended use and number of employees and potential visitors. The vehicle movements would primarily involve staff changeovers, and it is considered the expected level of traffic would be either comparable to or only marginally higher that associated with a large family dwelling.”

“The Assistant Director Planning and Regulatory Services submitted a planning application 2025/524/FUL, relating to Old Midge Hall Farm, Wyke Wood Lane, Scarisbrick.”

“RESOLVED: That planning application 2025/524/FUL be granted subject to conditions as contained in paragraph 12 of the report.”