Issue - meetings

This application was for the change of Use of a dwellinghouse (Use Class C3) to a small children’s residential care facility (Use Class C2) and creation of a driveway at 7 Pemberton Road, Admaston, Telford, Shropshire TF5 0BL.

The application was before Planning Committee due the significant number of objections that had been received.

An update report was tabled at the meeting which contained details of two further objections.

Councillor K Tonks, Ward Councillor, spoke against the application on behalf of the residents although they understood the need for these facilities.  Concerns were raised regarding safeguarding and safety due to the location on a busy junction, parking obstruction particularly at staff changeover, the dwelling being semi-detached and the significant harm it would cause the neighbours.  Other concerns raised were the noise impact as no assessment had yet taken place, it was against Policy BE1, the lack of acoustic assessment which could fail the test under the NPPF and the discrepancies that had been contained in the original application.

Mr H Buckley, Applicant, spoke in favour of the application and assured residents that all of their concerns were at the forefront of their planning.  In relation to traffic and congestion, the staff rota changeovers were outside of rush hour and there was ample space for three cars to park on the drive.  A green scheme would be implemented whereby the children would walk to school every day.  The children would not have significant needs and this would be intended for use for transition back to the family home.  Soundproofing would be undertaken if it was considered necessary.  A S184 application had been submitted in order to drop the kerb and landscaping would take place to keep the character of the community.

The Planning Officer informed Members that this was a proposed conversion from a dwelling to a children’s care home for three young persons between the ages of 7 and 17.  The scale and design of the dwelling would not be altered and the retrospective driveway was considered appropriate.  There would be a condition requesting details of the landscaping to the driveway to enhance the character and appearance of the site and it surrounding area and it was not considered overdevelopment.  The site was located near to the Shawbirch local centre and both primary and secondary schools and was situated within the sustain urban area and was compliant with Policy HO7 of the Telford and Wrekin Local Plan.  The specialist housing team had raised no objection and there was a local sufficiency need for this type of housing.  Amendments had been made to the scheme including the staff rota which would be staffed by two staff and a manager on a sift basis.  There would be a staggered approach to changeovers in order to prevent disruption and to ensure there was sufficient off road parking which had been amended to three spaces.  It was considered that although it was a semi-detached property that the proposal would not significantly prejudice, undermine or  ...  view the full minutes text for item 68