Issue - meetings

Report

Appendix 1, Site Location

Appendix 2, Existing Elevations

Appendix 3, Existing Site Plan

Appendix 4, Proposed Elevation

Appendix 5, Proposed Site Plan

Consideration was given to application 23/0649/FUL 91 Wolviston Road, Billingham.

The application site was a three bedroom two storey semi-detached dwellinghouse within the defined development limits of Billingham, approximately 200m north west of Billingham Town Centre.

The application was seeking planning permission for the change of use of No.91 Wolviston Road, Billingham from a three-bedroom (Use Class C3) dwellinghouse to a children’s home (Use Class C2) for 3 children. The site benefited from off street parking and a rear amenity space.

The proposed children’s home would provide accommodation for a maximum of three children between the ages of 8 and 18 years with 24 hour adult support, provided on a shift basis. Two members of staff would be present at the premises with an Ofsted registered manager living close by.

The application also proposed the construction of a two-storey side and single storey rear extension to provide two staff rooms for the staff at the premises, one at ground floor and one at first floor, both with ensuites thus functioning as sleeping quarters at night for the two members of staff and avoiding disturbing children by using the communal bathroom. The rear extension provided for a larger open plan kitchen, dining and family room. The proposals also included the removal of the existing rear garage and replaced with two parking spaces for staff.

The application was recommended for approval with conditions.

The consultees that had been notified and the comments that had been received were detailed within the main report.

Neighbours were notified and the comments received were detailed within the main report.

The planning policies and material planning considerations that were relevant to the consideration of the application were contained within the main report.

The Planning Officers report concluded that the application be recommended for approval with conditions for the reasons as specified within the main report.

Objectors attended the meeting and given the opportunity to make representation. Their comments could be summarised as follows;

. There was a sewage system at the back of the house and the proposed extension would be built on top of this. Northumbrian Water strongly opposes any building near or on top of a sewage system and therefore a response from Northumbrian Water in terms of rerouting the sewage system should be sought prior to the proposed scheme being considered at Planning Committee.

. The existing garage was not used for carparking due to the fact the entrance to the drive of the property was too close to a dangerous road / junction which was also on a blind bend making access and egress difficult. It was therefore felt the newly proposed parking spaces replacing the garage would also not be used and visitors to the property would be more likely to park on the road inhibiting parking for local residents.

. Safety concerns for the children were expressed due to the close proximity of the home to busy roads including a dual carriageway, the local pub, an Airbnb, where there would be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 23