Issue - meetings

[To determine the application]

The Committee received a report regarding application 16/00745/FUL, change of use to small residential care home for up to four children.

Paul Lester, Planning Officer reported that a further letter of objection had been received with concerns relating to parking, highways issues, lack of a turning circle and a dropped curb. A petition containing 134 signatures had also been received in opposition to the proposed application.

Mr Jeff Foster addressed the Committee and spoke in opposition to the application.

Mr Khalil also addressed the Committee and spoke in support of the application.

Cllr Judith Rowley asked whether under the Highway Code it was an offence to reverse onto the public highway. Tim Philpot, Lead Transport Officer reported that the Code referred to what was appropriate and was largely advisory. There was no specific offence of reversing onto the highway.

Cllr John Rowley reported that there had been a number of premises of the type of the proposed developed in the city. He drew the Committee’s attention to the role of OFSTED in regulating children’s care homes. Where there had been problems OFSTED had stepped in to help the premises to continue and to operate successfully. The developments provided an acceptable social function and he gave his support to the application.

Cllr Phil Page commented that not all the vehicles on the site would be ones used by the staff. In his experience there would also be regular visits from extra staff, such as case workers and different agencies. When this occurred it could mean a significant number of extra vehicles at the premises and this gave him cause for concern. In response the Lead Transport Officer reported that there would be three additional parking spaces at the premises and it was possible that not every member of staff would drive so the spaces would not necessarily be taken up by staff. There was no restriction on the road regarding short-term parking so extra visitors to the premises would not cause a significant disruption.

Resolved:

          That the application be approved, subject to the following conditions:

·         Number and age of children.

·         Carer numbers and shift changes

·         Parking provision