Agenda item

The application seeks full planning permission for the change of use of the existing Care Home (within use Class C2 of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 as amended) to a Hostel for the Homeless (a “sui generis” use) including internal alterations reducing the current accommodation form 15 bedrooms to 9.

It was reported that this application had been referred to the Planning Committee at the request of Councillor Knowles due to her concerns with the negative impact on neighbours and previous poor Care Quality Commission (CQC) reports.

The Committee was informed that the application related to Brick Barn Residential Care Home located at 106 Walton Road within the Parish of Kirby-le-Soken. The site lay a short distance from the edge of the Kirby-le-Soken Settlement Development Boundary as defined within the adopted Tendring District Local Plan 2007 but was within the extended Kirby-le-Soken Settlement Development Boundary as defined within the emerging Tendring District Local Plan 2013-2033 and Beyond Publication Draft (June 2017).

Members were made aware that the application sought full planning permission for the change of use of the existing Care Home (within use Class C2 of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 as amended) to a Hostel for the Homeless (a “sui generis” use) including internal alterations reducing the current accommodation form 15 bedrooms to 9.

The Committee was advised that this application followed a previously refused application under planning application reference 19/01532/FUL for the proposed change of use from care home to HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) with no alterations. Since that previous application, it had come to light that the proposal would involve internal alterations and the use would in fact fall under the definition of a Hostel and not a HMO as previously considered by Officers. The facility would be supported by 4 full time staff and 4 part time staff and therefore would not result in the loss of the employment use and would not require assessment under the provisions of Saved Policy ER3 of the adopted Tendring District Local Plan 2007.

It was felt that given the current shortage of affordable homes in the District, facilities such as this played a vital role in providing short term accommodation for sections of society, which is was supported by national policy.

Members were advised that the site is was located within easy walking distance of the local convenience store and post office with other facilities and employment opportunities within the village. There were bus stops in close proximity to the site providing regular services to Walton, Frinton and Clacton, and also offering a service to Colchester. The sustainability of the site is was reflected in the Council's inclusion of the site within the extended settlement development boundary in the emerging Local Plan. 

The proposed use would see a reduction in residents to 9, which would in turn reduce the number of associated movements and potential for any noise or disturbance to neighbouring properties.

Officers considered that the proposal would ensure a vacant premises is was brought back into use; facilitating new employment and providing a valuable contribution to the housing mix for the District in a sustainable location recognised by National and Local Plan policies. The application is was therefore recommendation for approval subject to conditions.

The Committee had before it the published Officer report containing the key planning issues, relevant planning policies, planning history, any response from consultees, written representations received and a recommendation of approval.

An update sheet had been circulated to the Committee prior to the meeting with details of:

(1)        Removed from Agenda by Planning Committee Chairman to seek additional information.

At the meeting, Councillor John White declared that this item was deferred, further information is required.