Children’s residential care home at 86 Thurmond Crescent, Winchester

What was proposed

The application sought to change a four-bedroom house in multiple occupation into a children’s home for three children aged 9 to 17.

“Case No: 25/01617/FUL Proposal Description: Change of use of 86 Thurmond Crescent from its current classification under Use Class C4 (House in Multiple Occupation) to Use Class C2 (Residential Institution). The proposed change will facilitate the establishment of a small childrens residential care home.”

“Permission is sought for a change of use from a House of Multiple Occupancy (Use Class C4) to a home for the accommodation and care of children (Use Class C2). The building would host three children aged 9 to 17.”

Officer report

The site

The site is an end-of-terrace, two-storey dwelling with a small front garden, among similar terraces and opposite flatted accommodation.

“The application site comprises an end of terrace two-storey dwellinghouse which consists of buff mixed brick and a tiled roof. The building is currently used as a four-bedroom house of multiple occupancy (HMO). The dwelling is set at a slightly lower ground level than the road. The site has a small front garden with steps leading down from the road to the dwellinghouse.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended permission because the proposal would widen housing options without harming the area’s character or neighbouring residential amenity.

“The development is recommended for permission as it contributes to the variety of housing options available in the district in accordance with policy CP2 of the LPP1, and it will not have an adverse impact on the character of the area in accordance with policies DM15 and DM16 of the LPP2 and would not harm neighbouring residential amenity in accordance with policy DM17 of the LPP2.”

Officer report

Main planning issues

The assessment found no undue concentration of children’s homes, no material increase in noise, and no adverse highway impact compared with the existing use.

“Neighbouring amenity Policy DM17 of the LPP2 identifies Site Development Principles that must be followed, including that the proposal must not have an unacceptable adverse impact on adjoining land or neighbouring amenities by reasons of overlooking, overshadowing or overbearing, or any other adverse impact to primary amenity spaces. The proposal only seeks the change of use from a HMO to a children’s home.”

“Comments have been received regarding the potential for the change of use to result in increased noise and disruption. It should be noted that the officer’s assessment should be made on the assumption that residents will behave reasonably. In addition, it is acknowledged that the existing building is a four-bedroom HMO which carries with it its own level of noise. The proposal is modest in scale, seeking consent to host three children (which is secured by condition 2).”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Environmental Health raised no objection, Hampshire County Council made no comments, and the City of Winchester Trust expressed concern about the property’s suitability.

“Service Lead – Public Protection (Environmental Health) – No objection • No adverse comments…”

“City of Winchester Trust (neither object nor support): - Share concern over whether property is suitable due to impact on neighbours…”

Officer report

Residents’ views

Twelve objections cited location, intensity, noise, traffic, parking, residential character, antisocial behaviour and wellbeing; two representations supported a safe home for children.

“Objecting Representations received, 8 from different addresses within the Winchester district citing the following material planning reasons: - Not suitable for the area - Unsuitable location due to lack of access to public transport and facilities - The proposed use would be an overly intensive use for the site - Impacts upon neighbouring amenity through increased noise and disturbance - Proposal will increase vehicular movements and parking pressures - Compromises the…”

“Supporting Representations received from different addresses citing the following material planning reasons: - Provides a safe space and home for children…”

Officer report

Public participation

The applicant spoke in support of the application and answered members’ questions.

Members’ consideration

The committee asked questions and debated the application.

“The application was introduced and during public participation, [name withheld] spoke in support of the application and answered members' questions. The committee proceeded to ask questions and debate the application.”

Minutes

The committee vote

The committee agreed to grant permission.

“RESOLVED The committee agreed to grant permission for the reasons and subject to the conditions and informatives set out in the report.”

Minutes

Main condition

The approved use is limited to a children’s home for up to three children and their required carers or support staff.

“The development hereby approved shall be limited to a children's home that will offer accommodation for up to 3 children and their required carers/support staff and for no other purposes including any other purpose within Use Class C2.”

“Reason: For the avoidance of doubt and to ensure the development is carried out on the basis of the information submitted, considered and approved.”

Officer report