Issue - meetings

This was an application for a change of use of dwellinghouse (Use Class C3) to residential home for up to 2no children (Use Class C2) at 22 Bridle Walk, Donnington, Telford, Shropshire, TF2 7SJ.

This application had been deferred at the meeting of the Committee on 12 November 2025 to enable Members to undertake a site visit.

A site visit took place on the afternoon prior to the meeting.

Councillor O Vickers, spoke on behalf of the Parish Council and the residents of Donnington who understood the need for a good decent home for children, but raised concerns in relation to the suitability of the property, standard of care, lack of parking, arrival and departure times of staff, professionals and family members at regular times which would exacerbate the current parking difficulties.  He asked that the Committee refuse the application.

Mr S Pierce, member of public, spoke against the application and raised concerns regarding the unsuitability of use class C2 and felt this was driven by investment rather than care.  He raised further concerns regarding the true pattern of the on street parking and the precedent that would be set for such use on a cul de sac, the antisocial behaviour and the risk of absconding, the commercial frontage of the premises, round the clock care and change over patters in relation to noise from car alarms, doors and windows.  He considered that children needed to be in a safe and secure home but this was not a suitable property.   

Mr A Blake, Applicant, spoke in favour of the application which would be a care home for two children with disabilities and would provide the young people the opportunity to unlock their potential.  The property would not be suitable for wheelchair users.  The company was not new to Telford and had not had complaints and had care homes in various locations within the borough.  He understood the concerns of the community but advised that there were four weekly inspections and unannounced inspections made by Ofsted.  Community liaison was important and he would work with the local community with any feedback. 

The Planning Officer informed Members that this application was for a childrens care home for up to two children with two staff and a manager present.  There would be a staggered changeover pattern being 6.30am and 7am and 6.30pm and 7pm in order to limit car movements.  Policy HO7 supported sustainable development which related well to the local context.  The scale, design and form was highly sustainable and the Commissioning Team had raised no objections.  Amended plans had been submitted in relation to parking and the vehicle arrangements would be in character with nearby properties.  Highway Officers supported the application and the Applicant had made a commitment to ensure that parking was monitored and that spaces were utilised in order to prevent on street parking.  The fallback position was that the premises could be occupied by two adults and four to six children on which the Council would have no  ...  view the full minutes text for item 61