| Conditions / Reason for Refusal: |
01
A children’s home (Use Class C2) is not considered an acceptable use in a Local Centre and Retail Use Area. As such, the Council considers that the change of use to a children’s home would be inconsistent with the prevailing land use and character in the surrounding area, contrary to Policy SP19 ‘Development Within Town, District and Local Centres’ and SP55 ‘Design Principles’.
02
The Council considers the proposed 6-bed children’s home to be an institutional facility with inadequate provisions of outdoor space which would undermine the quality of life and health/well-being of child residents. Accordingly, the proposal is contrary to Policies CS27 ‘Community Health and Safety’, SP55 ‘Design Principles’ and the National Planning Policy Framework (2024).
03
The site is located in an area of high levels of crime and disorder with an ongoing issue of missing children. The Council considers that the proposed development is not appropriate to its location and could pose an unnecessary risk of harm to vulnerable children from exposure or fear of crime. Accordingly, the proposal is contrary to Policies CS27 ‘Community Health and Safety’ and the National Planning Policy Framework (2024).
POSITIVE AND PROACTIVE STATEMENT
The applicant did not enter into any pre application discussions with the Local Planning Authority. It is not possible to support a scheme of this nature nor would any amendments make it acceptable. It was not considered to be in accordance with the principles of the National Planning Policy Framework and resulted in this refusal.
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