Issue - meetings

This was an application for change of use from dwelling house (use class C3) to Residential Institution (use class C2) at 34 Avon Close, Little Dawley, Telford, Shropshire, TF4 3HP.

This application had been referred to Planning Committee as the proposal had received a notable number of objections.

Mr Blair, member of the public, spoke against the application on behalf of the local community and neighbours.   He raised concerns in relation to the impact on the close-knit community and older people in the cul-de-sac, traffic, parking, the nearby pool, noise and impact on amenity.  Further concerns were raised in relation to the Deed which had been signed by all local residents that no trade or business would be undertaken in the private dwelling that would cause nuisance or annoyance to any adjoining houses.  He suggested other areas may be more suitable for this application.

Mr Wiatt, applicant, spoke in favour of the application and following on from comments from the previous speaker he felt that this was the perfect place for the care home.  The application complied with planning legislation and would be a family-like setting for two children.  Hours of operation would be 24-7 and would have three staff on site at any given point as set out in the staff operational plan.  High safety perimeters and fencing panels, together with vegetation would decrease any impact on the local community.  Ofsted regulations would also set out mitigation measures required but the home would work as a loving home for children to give them a stable family life and would fill the gap left by the lack of foster families.

The Planning Officer informed Members that an amended site plan had been received showing three parking spaces, together with additional information in relation to staff shift patterns.  The application site was in the built-up area of Telford where the principle of development was considered acceptable and was within an existing dwelling.  There would be no external alteration but internal conversion to allow for a third bedroom/office for staff.  The scale and design would not be altered or have an impact on the street scene and was considered acceptable for the type and level of care proposed.   Policy HO7 stated that this specialist housing need required Use Class 2 and the Specialist Housing Team supported the proposal.  Care would be provided by two support workers, a senior officer and a manager with staff changeover every 48 hours but staggered to limit disruption.  A maximum of three staff to be present at any one time with the manager on call.   It was considered that visits from other professionals would be infrequent.  Staff meetings and training would not take place on site.  A balanced approach had been taken and a temporary two year planning consent put forward to ascertain if the use can be undertaken without detriment to the locality and the site managed successfully.

During the debate, some Members noted that the Parish Council had not commented on the application.  There was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6