Supported living for four adults at Bishops Farm, Bishop's Waltham, Southampton

What was proposed

The retrospective application sought to use a former dwelling for supported living for up to four adults with learning difficulties, with accommodation, communal areas and round-the-clock support.

“This is a retrospective application for a use which is understood to have commenced in August 2020. The supported living facility includes elements of Class C2 (Residential institutions) and elements of Class C3(b) “Use as a dwelling house (whether or not as a sole or main residence) by b) not more than six residents living together as a single household where care is provided for residents…”

“The building currently provides accommodation for up to four adults described as having learning difficulties (currently occupied by three adults). Two units (1 x 1 bedroom apartment and 1 x studio apartment) are provided on the ground floor. Each ground floor unit has access to private external amenity space, with a separate communal garden also available. Also on the ground floor are the communal lounge and kitchen, and a staff office.”

Officer report

The site

The site is a two-storey detached building within Bishops Waltham’s settlement boundary, with parking, gardens and neighbouring homes to the south-east and south-west.

“The application site is a two-storey, detached building, originally a single dwelling, situated on the south side of Winchester Road and within the defined Settlement Boundary of Bishops Waltham.”

“The closest residential neighbours are 9-13 Albany Court, (a row of terraced properties located to the south-east, the gardens of which back onto the garden of Bishop’s Farm) and 10 Poppy Close which lies alongside the south-western site boundary. The topography of the area is such that the properties on Albany Court are slightly elevated in comparison to the application site, and no. Poppy Close is set slightly lower than the application site.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

An earlier certificate application was refused because the care arrangements, staff accommodation and communal facilities indicated a mixed use rather than a defined C3(b) or C2 use.

“25/00133/LDC. Confirmation that the existing use of the property by up to 4 adults living together as a single household and receiving care falls within Use Class C3(b). Refused 02.06.2025.”

“The Officer’s report indicates that the 24-hour care provided by the 8 carers for the 4 residents was considered to be too intensive for the use to be considered as a C3(b) use. The operational activities have a greater impact on the surrounding area and residents, which is indicative of a C2 use. The staff accommodation and communal garden also indicate a C2 use.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Natural England had no objection subject to mitigation, highways referred to standing advice, while environmental protection officers raised concerns about significant effects on neighbours’ amenity.

“Natural England: No objection, subject to appropriate mitigation being secured Representations:”

“Bishop’s Waltham Parish Council - The Planning Officers must take into account neighbours' comments and concerns to future-proof this application. A substantial buffer zone (natural or man-made) must be planned in between this site and neighbouring properties to address concerns raised about noise, littering and anti-social behaviour.”

Officer report

What people said

Objections focused on noise, antisocial behaviour, overlooking, lighting, safety, parking and the suitability of the site; supporters described a safe, beneficial and settled home.

“Amenity • Excessive noise and disruption during the evening and late into the night including screaming/shouting/racial abuse/fire alarms • Anti-social behaviour from carers and residents • Overlooking of neighbouring properties from upstairs windows • Use of commercial light fittings/ floodlights in the car park which shine into neighbouring bedrooms • Proposed trees will result in shading to neighbouring gardens • The actions of staff encourage the screaming • Proposed…”

“Highway Safety & Car parking • Road safety concerns due to ambulances reversing onto Winchester Road • Bins are left out which block the grass verges on both sides of bishops Farm driveway, making them unpassable • Insufficient parking on site to accommodate all of the staff leading to parking on grass footpaths and footpaths • The level of traffic due to staff changeovers is unsuitable for a residential area…”

Officer report

Who spoke

Three people spoke in support, and Councillor Fleuren spoke as ward member about residents’ concerns and possible safeguards.

What members debated

Members considered whether noise and disturbance could be mitigated, while legal advice addressed the enforceability and fire-safety implications of restricting particular entrances.

“Councillor Fleuren clarified that objections to the application were not objections to assisted living or care facilities. Councillor Fleuren noted that this was a retrospective application and evidence demonstrated that the change of land use by Acorn Healthcare over several years resulted in noise and disturbance which exceeded that of a residential dwelling and caused harm to neighbouring amenities. 3.”

“The committee proceeded to ask questions and debate the application. During discussion, the Legal Officer provided the Committee with advice regarding the imposing of planning conditions to restrict the use of specific doors or entrances at the property. He highlighted concerns regarding the enforceability of such restrictions and the potential fire safety implications.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee granted permission with the report’s conditions and informatives, adding evergreen pleached trees, a boundary planting bed and obscure glazing to a staff bedroom window.

“RESOLVED The committee agreed to grant permission for the reasons and subject to the conditions and informatives set out in the report and the update. Subject to the following additional conditions: a) That the landscaping scheme be amended to ensure that the proposed pleached trees along the boundary would be evergreen species with a trunk height of 1.8 metres, b) That a planting bed of suitable depth be incorporated along the boundary with 10 Poppy Close to increase…”

Minutes