Agenda item

Change of Use from Residential (Class C3) to Children Home (Class C2)

22 Balow Drive North, Awsworth NG16 2RQ

Change of Use from Residential (Class C3) to Children Home (Class C2)

22 Barlow Drive North, Awsworth

The application is brought back to the Committee following deferral from 11th February meeting of the Committee.

There were two public speakers for this item, Mr Dorshan Vora, applicant, and Mr. Dominic Oliver, objecting.

There were no late items.

The Committee opened the debate, discussing potential issues with antisocial behaviour about which some residents are concerned, possible impacts on parking, the history of issues with children’s homes in the borough, and the ability to enforce planning conditions. The size of the building and need to decide the case solely on the basis of planning concerns were also discussed.

Following the discussion, it was noted that a condition would be added to limit the number of children permitted in the home to three.

RESOLVED that planning permission be granted, subject to the following conditions:

1.       The use hereby permitted shall be commenced before the expiration of three years beginning with the date of this permission.

Reason: To comply with S91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 as amended by S51 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

2.       The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the Site Location Plan and Proposed Rear and North (Side) Elevations (drawing numbered CEN-CHA-ZZ-DR-A-0010) received by the Local Planning Authority on 19 December 2025, the Proposed Front and South (Side) Elevations (drawing numbered BAR-CHA-ZZ-DR-A-0009) received by the Local Planning Authority on 21 January 2026, and the Proposed Floor Plans revision C (drawing numbered BAR-CHA-XX-DR-A-0007), the Proposed Car Parking Layout (drawing numbered BAR-CHA-XX-DR-A-010), and the Addendum to the Design & Access Statement received by the Local Planning Authority on 2 March 2026

Reason: For the avoidance of doubt.

3.       Prior to the use of the property as a residential children's home, a Resident Management Plan (RMP) shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The use hereby approved shall thereafter be carried out in accordance with the approved RMP, for the lifetime of the use. For the avoidance of doubt, the RMP shall include the following:

i) Details of on-site staffing, including a dedicated property manager during normal office hours supported by designated wardens who will stay at the premises and will deal with any emergencies or incidents outside office hours including night time supervision;

ii) Details of how the property manager and wardens will liaise with local residents throughout the year and how residents can make contact in the event of any disturbance, emergencies or any other management issues;

iii) The proposed management of servicing and deliveries;

iv) Details of noise management including measures to ensure that noise disturbance to neighbouring residential properties is minimised.

          Reason: To protect the amenities of neighbouring residents and in accordance with the aims of Policy 10 of the Aligned Core Strategy (2014) and Policies 17 and 19 of the Part 2 Local Plan (2019).

4.       The premises shall only be used as a children's home for a maximum of three children and for no other purpose (including any other purpose in Class C2 of the Schedule to the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987, or in any provision equivalent to that Class in any statutory instrument revoking and re-enacting that Order with or without modification.

Reason: to ensure a satisfactory standard of neighbour amenity and highway safety and in accordance with the aims of Policy 17 of the Broxtowe Part 2 Local Plan (2019) and Policy 10 of the Aligned Core Strategy (2014).

5.       The premises shall only be attended by a maximum of two staff members at any one time, except during staff handover periods or scheduled staff meetings

Reason: to ensure a satisfactory standard of neighbour amenity and highway safety and in accordance with the aims of Policy 17 of the Broxtowe Part 2 Local Plan (2019) and Policy 10 of the Aligned Core Strategy (2014).

Note to Applicant

1.       The Council has acted positively and proactively in the determination of this application by working to determine it within the agreed determination timescale.

2.       The applicant should ensure that sound insulation to limit the transmission of noise between properties is installed and achieves the minimum requirements as contained in the current version of British Standard Approved Document E.