The Planning and Development Control Committee met to discuss four planning applications, including proposals for residential care homes and a change of use for student accommodation. Councillors approved plans for an extension to a house on Mendip Avenue, but refused permission for a change of use to a children's care home on Ashton Green Road. Two applications for children's care homes on Helena Crescent and York Street were approved, subject to conditions.

Yoho Building, York Street

Councillors approved a change of use for the Yoho building on York Street, from student accommodation to 118 units of managed short-term residential accommodation, despite concerns about the size of the rooms and the concentration of vulnerable people in one location. The approval was delegated to officers, subject to conditions and reconfirmation of no objections from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) on the revised fire safety statement.

Tom McBerry, Principal Planner, explained that the recommendation for approval was subject to conditions, including a maximum 18-month occupancy for any resident, and a limit of four units occupied by childless couples at any one time. He clarified that the anticipated period of stay would be between three and 12 months, with 18 months being an exception.

Chris Lindley, a town planner and agent for the applicant, spoke in support of the application, highlighting the need for supported accommodation for homeless people in Leicester. He stated that the council's housing team had confirmed that over 800 households with a local connection were in temporary accommodation, often in bed and breakfasts or hostels, and that the proposal would provide a supported pathway towards settled accommodation.

Paolo Varjo, a professor at the University of Leicester, spoke on behalf of residents of Albion Street, York Street, and Chatham Street, raising concerns about the impact on the neighbourhood and the adequacy of support for residents with trauma, substance dependencies and mental health problems. He argued that the proposal was an over-concentration of social vulnerability in one location and that there was no formal accountability to neighbours or guarantee of protection for the surrounding community.

Councillor Patrick Kitterick argued that the proposed accommodation was of a poor standard and that the rooms were too small, with every single one below the national designated space standards¹. He also raised concerns about putting so many people with vulnerabilities in one place, referencing the Dawn Centre as an example of where this approach had not worked.

Councillor Darvey questioned what would happen after 18 months and whether the housing department would find accommodation for residents, and raised concerns about the change of use from student accommodation.

Grant Butterworth, the Director of Planning, explained that one of the fundamental objectives of the core strategy² and the local plans was to address a whole range of housing needs, including provision for homeless people, students and family accommodation.

Councillor Moore expressed concerns about the human dimensions of the proposal and the importance of phasing and planning, and said that she would abstain from the vote.

Despite the concerns raised, Councillor Mohammed proposed a motion to approve the application as per the addendum, which was seconded by Councillor Agath and carried.

Helena Crescent

Councillors approved an application for the change of use of a dwelling house to a residential children's home for two children at 53 Helena Crescent, despite objections from local residents.

Craig, a planning officer, introduced the application, explaining that it was for a change of use from a class C3 dwelling house to a class C2 care home, providing care for two children between the ages of 8 and 18, with one carer on site permanently.

Chantal Roberts, a resident of Helena Crescent, spoke against the application, raising concerns about the suitability of the location for vulnerable young people, parking and traffic safety, and the change in the character of the area. She said that the surrounding area was known for crime and social behaviour, drug paraphernalia and unsafe squats, and that the street had limited parking.

Craig responded to the concerns, stating that the proposed use was a residential use within a residential area and that it was not considered that a small-scale care home for two children would be out of character. He also stated that the site was well-located in regards to public transport routes, that cycle storage was proposed, and that one off-street parking space was proposed, which was in accordance with the parking standards set out in the local plan.

Councillor Agath raised concerns about parking and the impact on residents, and said that she would not be supporting the application. Councillor Darwe supported the application, stating that as members, they were the corporate parents and had a responsibility from that perspective.

Councillor March raised concerns about the number of applications of this kind and suggested putting some time limitations on when they could do this. Grant Butterworth advised caution about this approach.

Councillor Moore said that alarm bells rang when she read that there was no contractual relationship with the applicant as a children's home provider, no children's homes currently registered with Ofsted, the company was formed recently, there was no history of involvement with care companies, and the applicant was not a registered social worker.

Councillor Mohammed also raised concerns about the applicant and the potential negative impact on the amenities in the area and on nearby residential properties.

Councillor Chauhan said that the garden size met the legal requirement and that he was minded to support the application.

Councillor Medardia raised concerns about the layout of the house and how the staff would keep an eye on the children at night.

Councillor Surti said that she was going to recommend that they go with the officer's recommendation and approve the application.

The vote was tied, and Councillor Surti used her casting vote to approve the application.

Ashton Green Road

Councillors refused an application for a change of use from a dwelling house to a children's care home at 118 Ashton Green Road, due to concerns about the loss of a large family home in an area of the city where there is a need for such properties.

Chloe Young, Senior Planner, introduced the application, explaining that it had been brought to committee due to 23 objections from 16 neighbouring residents, along with the developer of the housing estate.

Sachin Basarkar, a resident of 120 Ashton Green Road, spoke against the application, raising concerns about a restrictive covenant on the property, parking, the impact on the residential character of the area, and the garden space.

Chloe responded to the concerns, stating that the restrictive covenant was not a planning matter, that the applicant was seeking separate advice regarding that, and that the right of access was a civil matter. She also stated that the garden space was 75 square metres, which they considered would be an ample amount for two children using it.

Councillor Agath raised concerns about losing a four-bedroom house for only two children, and said that she would not be supporting the application. Councillor Mohammed also raised concerns about the loss of a large family home and said that he was minded to refuse the application.

Grant Butterworth advised that there was a significant need for accommodation of this nature and that an inspector would place quite a lot of weight on that fact.

Councillor Surti said that she was going to recommend that they don't support this application in this instance, and Councillor Mohammed seconded the motion. The application was refused.

Mendip Avenue

Councillors approved an application for the construction of a single-storey rear extension at 18 Mendip Avenue.

Hazel Atkinson, Graduate Planner, introduced the application, explaining that it had been brought to committee as the applicant was an employee of the council. She said that no representations had been received from neighbours and that the application was considered to be acceptable and recommended for conditional approval.

Councillor Agath raised concerns about parking issues in the area, but Izzy said that the issues were already in hand with Martin Fletcher and that any temporary disruption during building works would be temporary in nature.

The application was approved unanimously.