Agenda item

This was an application for a change of use from dwellinghouse (Use Class C3) to Residential Institution (Use Class C2) at 9 High Mount, Donnington, Telford, Shropshire, TF2 7NL.

The application was before Committee at the request of Donnington & Muxton Parish Council.

An update report had been tabled at the meeting and included two letters of objection that have been received following preparation of the report but did not raise any further concerns in addition to those listed in the main report.

Councillor L Dugmore spoke on behalf of the Parish Council against the application and raised concerns regarding highway safety on the single track road, parking, shortage of bungalows and it contravened both the Neighbourhood Plan and the Local Plan.  Further concerns were raised regarding staff attending at similar properties within the area which caused difficulties parking half on and off the pavements and difficulties for emergency services, there were also parking issues at the residential care home.

Miss Thai, member of the public, spoke against the application and raised concerns regarding Policy HO7 and the specialist homes that were required for the elderly and disabled and would remove a much needed home from the market, the cumulative impact of conversation, parking and wheelchair access for residents, to cycle parking provision, drainage and waste management in relation to Policy ER7.  It was asked if members refuse the application in its current form and review further before a decision was made.

Mr Madumere, Applicant, spoke in favour of the application which had been thoroughly assessed.  The application would be a loving and nurturing home for a maximum of two children aged 7-17 years of age to feel safe and supported who would receive emotional and therapeutic care helping them to build meaningful relationships.  Parking was sufficient with 4 spaces and a garage for 2 members of staff and a manager working between 9am and 5pm.   The property was a 1.5 level chalet style building with bedrooms in the loft and had already been purchased.  There would be no external changes and the applicant would work collaboratively with the Local Authority and the wider community to provide a safe and loving home for vulnerable children.

The Planning Officer informed Members that this application sought change of use to a residential care facility for two children aged 7 to 17.  Local Plan Policy SP1 supported the principle of development.  This was a standard dwelling on the open market which could be purchased or lived in by anyone and had off street parking.  The appearance and design would not be impacted as there were no external changes to design or scale.  Internal arrangements were considered acceptable.  It was in a sustainable location close to shops and school and compliant with Policy HO7 which supported specialist housing.  There would be two full time staff and a daytime manager who would change shifts every 48 hours with changeover being staggered to reduce movement.  It was considered that movements would be more or less similar to a typical family home and there would be no adverse impact on adjacent properties.

During the debate, some Members considered that there had been similar applications recently and that objections were often based on fear.  It would be a standard family home with the children being well managed and parking issues could arise whoever lived in the property.  Members had a duty to children as a corporate parent and there were no material consideration to refuse the application.

On being put to the vote it was, unanimously:

RESOLVED – that delegated authority granted to the Development Management Service Delivery Manager to grant planning permission (with the authority to finalise any matter including conditions, legal agreement terms, or any later variations) subject to the following:

a)    the condition(s) (with authority to finalise conditions and reasons for approval to be delegated to Development Management Service Delivery Manager) as set out in the report and update report.