Issue - meetings

This application was for a change of use from Residential Dwelling (Use Class C3) to Residential Care Home (Use Class C2) at Breffni House, Farm Lane, Horsehay, Telford, Shropshire, TF4 2NE.

The application was before Planning Committee due to the notable number of objections.

An update report had been tabled at the meeting and gave details of additional neighbour representations objecting to the proposed scheme.

Mr L O’Dwyer, Applicant’s Agent, spoke in favour of the application.  The business had been established for 10 years and gave therapeutic childcare in a safe, nurturing and enriching environment.  It puts the children’s past experiences behind them and recognises their potential allowing them to leave care and gain independent jobs and become valuable members of the community.  It was a specialised service and was run by a wealth of experienced professionals with a clinical director and regional manager who provided the highest levels of care.  Positive outcomes had been received from Ofsted inspections.  A key element of the inspections was how they engaged, supported and enhanced development and social connections of the children.  The children were encouraged to exchange gifts and cards with neighbours during special occasions.  It was understood that opening a children’s home could create concerns and all of the homes were strategically situated in built up areas in order the children grow up within the community.  Concerns are quickly alleviated and only suitable children were accommodated in the community environment.  There had only been one complaint during the last three years which demonstrated the positive relationships with the community and recognised their value to the local area.  There would be negligible impact on the local road network.  They were an excellent and valued employer and Telford and Wrekin Council’s Commissioning Team agreed that it met local needs in the borough and complied with policies in relation to specialist housing need. 

The Planning Officer informed Members that the principle of development was acceptable.  This was an existing six bedroomed dwelling which would be converted into a four bedroomed care home for four young people aged 7-17 years.  There would be no external alteration so it would not impact the existing street scene.  Some internal changes would be necessary suitable for the type and level of care.  Care staff would be on site and share night shifts.  The dwelling was near to Lightmoor Village Primary School and the Morrisons supermarket with a bus stop 0.3 miles from the site.  The development was compliant with Policy HO7 of the Local Plan and specialist housing needs Policy C2.  The Specialist Housing Team were supportive of the application and it filled local sufficiency needs.  Supporting documentation had been provided in relation to staffing levels on site which would be one manager and four care staff.  Two staff would be present during the day with the others throughout the night.  There would be a short staff changeover period during the morning.  It was felt that visitors to the site would be infrequent and staff meetings would be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8