Agenda item

6 Swan Way, Coalville, LE67 4BU

The Senior Planning Officer presented the report to members

Mr Tubb, in objection, addressed the committee. It was noted that it was a noble cause, but concerns were raised around safety, precedents, suitability and community impact. It was noted that the five homes, including the application site, jointly owned the private drive that was governed by covenants restricting the use to private single-family dwellings. It was felt that the site was not large enough for the planned use and that it would lead to increased footfall, traffic and noise, which would cause daily disruption to the neighbours. He urged the committee to refuse the application.

Mr Matthews, applicant, addressed the committee. He highlighted that the application had been developed in accordance with the national planning and policy framework, and that they had carefully considered all the covenants and the application did not break any of them. It was noted that they had collaborated with the Local Authority assurance team that deal with children’s care homes to ensure robust outcome measures. It was noted that the vehicle movements would be no more than that of families and that they were dedicated to employ local people.

Councillor Burke, ward member, addressed the committee. She advised that the site was on a quiet cul-de-sac, with limited parking spaces. She highlighted the impact that the application would have on the local neighbourhood due to an increase in noise, pollution and out of hours disturbance.  She noted the location to the previous application and asked if there was a limit on how many children’s homes should be allowed in an area.

Following the speakers, officers advised the committee that there were no limits on the number of children’s homes that could be permitted in an area and that it should be considered on its own merits. The Legal Advisor advised the committee that covenants were not a planning matter.

In determining the application, some concerns were raised over the lack of parking on the site but noted that there were no material grounds for refusing the application.

At the request of a member, the Legal Advisor reiterated to the committee that the covenants was a matter between the residents, and if it was breached it would for them to seek advice, and that it was not a planning matter and no weight should be given to it.

The officer’s recommendation to permit the application, including the amendments to the conditions as detailed in the update sheet, was moved by Councillor R Canny and seconded by Councillor J Legrys.

The Chair put the motion to the vote. A recorded vote being required, the voting was as detailed below.

RESOLVED THAT:

The application be permitted in accordance with the Officer’s recommendations, including the amendments to the conditions as detailed in the update sheet.

Having declared a non-pecuniary interest in item A3, Councillor Blunt left the meeting.

Having declared a registerable interest as ward member in item A3 and would be leaving the meeting, and the Deputy Chair having submitted apologies for the meeting, the Chair sought nomination for Chair for the item.

It was moved by Councillor J Legrys, seconded by Councillor N Smith and

RESOLVED THAT:

Councillor J Simmons take the Chair for the remainder of the meeting.

Councillor R Boam left the meeting and Councillor J Simmons took the Chair.