House to become children’s home despite objections

Planning permission has been granted for a change of use of the house in Heysham

A house has been given permission to operate as a children’s residential care home, despite concerns over disturbance, parking problems and anti-social behaviour.

Planning permission has been granted to Therapeutic Care Ltd, allowing change of use of the property on Longlands Crescent, Heysham, to become a care home for two youngsters.

Priority will be given to children from the Lancaster district, under planning conditions.

Ten public objections were sent to Lancaster City Council and only one in support. 

Well-suited

Lancaster City Council planning officer Mark Cassidy told a planning meeting up to five people would be there at any one time.

He said the county council was "supportive of such facilities, which provide routine for youngsters and maintain a lifestyle which helps them move forward".

"It has a garden, good boundaries and space for cars," he said. "There is an identified need for this type of care."

He added: "The overall number of people at the house would not be enough to have a significant impact on noise or disturbance.

"The potential impact on neighbours under these plans are not considered to be sufficient to justify refusal."

In response to residents' objections, Therapeutic Care Ltd said it had 17 care homes, was rated good by Ofsted and at least ten children in care had come through Lancashire County Council.

It added that the Heysham site was well-suited, including being in a residential area.

Labour councillor Martin Gawith said: "People have a fear, but these kids have been badly treated by communities across the country.

"We need more small homes."

Councillor Keith Budden said: “If there are issues, we have procedures to deal with them.

“We should support young people. The applicant is a professional company and I’m confident about it.”

In a vote, councillors approved the application.