A controversial plan to turn a house in a Holbeach cul-de-sac into a children’s home is lawful, planning officers now say.
The initial proposal for a Certificate of Lawful Use for 19 Langwith Drive to be a home for no more than six residents was deferred by South Holland District Council’s Planning Committee at its April meeting, then rejected using delegated powers two days later.
A new application for the certificate for two adults and four children has now been approved by planning officers using the same powers.
This time planners argue that a change of use application is not required as the home could sill be considered a dwelling because it would be a ‘functioning household’.
Applicant Dolphin John plans to live in the five bedroom property with his cousin and four young people.
“The applicant clarifies that they intend to live within the site to support and care for the young people,” the planning officers report states. “The applicant would not employ any staff, however, the applicant intends to live with their cousin who would assist with looking after the young people.
“Based on the submitted details, it appears that the use reflects the nature and character of a single household.”
Both applications had received public objections, the latest receiving six.
Among the objections raised were concerns over the care being proposed, the potential for anti-social behaviour and the small size of one of the bedrooms.
MP Sir John Hayes had raised issues with the previous applications while Holbeach Parish Council was among those to ask why it hadn’t been consulted.
However, the report stating that it didn’t have to consult on lawful certificates and that ‘planning merits are not relevant’ as it was only deciding on if the scheme was legal.
