When looking to secure new children’s homes across the country, there are a variety of ways in which permission can be achieved. In order to understand these, ET Planning have undertaken a deep dive into a number of our case studies in order to explain both the process and how we can help!
One way of achieving permission for a children’s home is through what is referred to a certificate of lawfulness application. A recent success story at Tarnwell in Bracknell demonstrates this method. ET Planning were successfully able to argue that a children’s home fell within C3 use class (the same as a typical family home).
28 Hatherton Road – Seeking planning permission for the change of use of the property to a children’s home is the ‘traditional’ way of achieving consent. In this case, a previous application didn’t meet the operational requirements of the Council and so a revised application was submitted in order to rectify this. As part of the application, ET Planning were able to successfully evidence the need for the children’s home, rebut neighbour comments and represent the applicant at planning committee resulting in permission being granted.
Willowbrae – The certificate and planning application process can have several touchpoints and this is encapsulated through a recent application at Willowbrae. The use of the site as a children’s home was established through a certificate of lawfulness application. A subsequent planning application for extensions to the children’s home was then sought. The benefit of this approach was that despite neighbour objections – the use of the site was established and not up for discussion as part of the application which solely focused on the extensions. ET Planning successfully navigated highway concerns working with a transport consultant in order to achieve success!
14 Mackenzie Road – A provider approached us following previous unsuccessful attempts to convert a property under a planning application into a children’s home. The certificate route was resisted by the Council and so was the planning application. In the event of a refusal of either a certificate of lawfulness application, there is the option to appeal to the Planning Inspectorate. As part of the appeal case, ET Planning submitted information showing how there was a need for children’s homes within the Council’s administrative area. Alongside this, national policy changed and this now makes specific reference to Council’s needing to consider the provision of homes for looked after children. Evidencing need is a key consideration when looking at planning applications/appeals for such developments
Need more information?
If this is something you feel ET Planning can support you with, please contact our Planning Team on 01344 508048 or email office@etplanning.co.uk
