Issue - meetings

Consideration was given to planning application 23/1899/FUL

1 Whitehouse Drive, Stockton-on-Tees TS19 0QE

The application site was a detached 4-bedroom two storey dwellinghouse within the defined settlement limits of Stockton-on-Tees.

The application was seeking planning permission for the change of use of 1 Whitehouse Drive from a four-bedroom dwellinghouse (Use Class C3) to a children’s home (Use Class C2). The site benefited from off street parking, and a rear private amenity space.

The proposed children’s home would provide accommodation for a maximum of 4 children between the ages of 7 and 17 years with 24-hour adult support, provided on a shift basis. Up to three members of staff would be present at the premises each day between 07:30am- 9:30pm. Two awake staff members would be present overnight.

As part of the change of use the existing garage would be converted to an office window replacing the garage door. A side window would be blocked up, internal alterations to rooms, and an extended driveway.

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 Officers report.

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

. A local resident who lived in close proximity to the proposed development expressed that should the children residing at the home be young offenders then this would put themselves and their family at risk.

. Concerns around Anti-Social Behaviour was highlighted.

. It was felt that the drive at the proposed property could not accommodate 5 vehicles. In addition, 5 spaces would not be enough for staff and visitors therefore more spaces were needed otherwise cars would spill out onto Whitehouse Drive exacerbating current highways issues.

. Whitehouse Drive was a very narrow road.

. The home was in close proximity to a school, college and football club which already suffered with highways issues in terms of egress and exit at Whitehouse Drive.

. There were parking issues in the area due to regular activity at Stockton Football Club.

. People were parking on grass verges and there had also been damage to pavements in the surrounding area.

. Traffic congestion was particularly bad during school drop off and pick up and it was difficult for residents in the local area to get on and off their driveways .

. Questions were raised as to why residents had only received notification of the Planning Committee 2 days prior to the meeting.

. It was felt that the children in the home occupying the proposed downstairs bedroom would cause disturbance possibly late into the night to the neighbouring property where a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 38