The Development Management Committee convened to discuss two planning applications, one concerning a change of use for a property on Sunnycroft, and the other regarding a variation to previously approved plans for Elm Hatch. Both applications were ultimately granted, subject to conditions outlined in the meeting reports.

Elm Hatch Planning Permission

The committee approved a variation to condition 30 of planning permission HW/FUL/23/00331 for Elm Hatch, allowing for an amendment to the position of a single townhouse. The townhouse will now be positioned approximately 2.5m away from the neighbouring property.

The application, submitted by Hill Partnership Ltd, sought to reposition the house as a detached dwelling rather than an end-of-terrace, which they argued would bring several practical and technical advantages:

• Elimination of the need for underpinning the foundations of the adjoining property
• Avoidance of alterations to the existing roof structure of the adjacent dwelling
• Avoidance of modifications to the existing ventilation system of the neighbouring property
• Reduced requirement for party wall surveyor involvement
• Enhanced thermal performance of the new external wall, improving the dwelling's energy efficiency
• A more efficient and expedited construction process
• Reduced overall construction costs, thereby delivering better value for Harlow Council.

Two objections were received from neighbours at 143 and 144 Waterhouse Moor, raising concerns about the height of the proposed house, loss of privacy and sunlight, and drainage/flooding issues. However, officers clarified that the height of the house would remain consistent with the previously approved plans, and that the objectors' properties were to the south of the proposed house, meaning no loss of sunlight would occur. Drainage matters had also been previously considered and deemed acceptable.

The Harlow Council Arboricultural Officer confirmed that the proposed changes would not impact adjacent trees and vegetation. Place Services Urban Design raised no concerns from an urban design perspective, and Place Services Heritage noted that the proposal would not have any greater impact on the setting of listed buildings¹ in the area compared to the approved scheme. The Council's Waste and Recycling team also raised no objections to the repositioning of the refuse and recycling bins.

All other conditions attached to the original permission HW/FUL/23/00331 will remain unchanged, with some updated wording to reflect conditions that have been discharged or amended.

Sunnycroft Planning Permission

The committee approved planning permission for application HW/FUL/25/00216 at 2 Sunnycroft, which sought a change of use from a residential dwellinghouse (Use Class C3²) to a mother and baby/child unit (Use Class Sui Generis³) for up to five mothers and five babies/children between the ages of 0-5.

The application was brought to the committee due to more than two letters of objection being received, contrary to the officer's recommendation of approval.

The proposed facility is designed primarily for first-time, young, or vulnerable mothers, and would be staffed 24 hours a day. The submitted Statement of Purpose confirms that the facility would provide occupiers with sessions on topics such as:

• The Freedom Programme for Domestic Violence
• Healthy relationships and how to recognise early signs of abuse in a relationship
• Keeping babies safe
• Social presentation and managing personal hygiene
• Internet safety and social media
• Healthy eating through cooking
• Budgeting
• Self-esteem impact on decision making
• Identity
• Child Protection
• Substance misuse, Alcohol and Addictions impact on children
• External sessions in person or virtually

Placements would last for up to twelve weeks, with reviews held at the end of Weeks 2, 6 and 10.

Ten letters of objection were received, raising concerns about the principle of development, parking/highway safety, amenity, character and appearance, impact on local services, and insufficient facilities and space.

In response to these concerns, the planning officer, Chris Walter, stated that the proposed use would still provide a residential function, and that there would be minimal external alterations to the building. The officer also noted that a Freedom of Information (FOI) request through Essex County Council (ECC) confirmed that there is a need for additional mother and baby/child units in Essex.

The Essex Police Designing Out Crime Officer (DOCO) confirmed that discussions had been held with the applicant over the proposed security measures, which were found to be adequate.

To address concerns about the amenity of neighbouring properties, a condition was added to the planning permission requiring the submission and approval of an operational management plan prior to first occupation. This plan would include details of staffing levels, shift pattern arrangements, travel arrangements, times when residents may be permitted to leave the premises, external light details and CCTV supervision.

Councillor Kay Morrison declared a non-pecuniary interest in both applications as a Ward Councillor for Bush Fair.