The Planning Applications Committee is scheduled to meet to discuss a number of planning applications, including two applications relating to the proposed change of use of residential properties into children's homes. The committee will also note a number of items dealt with under delegated powers¹.

Proposed Children's Homes

The committee will consider two applications from Kent County Council Infrastructure Division for the change of use of dwelling houses into children's homes.

One application concerns 75 Homewood Avenue, Sittingbourne. The application seeks permission for a change of use from a residential dwelling (use class C3²) to a residential institution (use class C2³) to operate as a residential children's care home. The home would provide care and accommodation for up to two children between the ages of eight and eighteen with social and emotional behavioural needs.

According to the report pack, the applicant has stated that:

The proposed development is required to help to address the current shortfall in suitable placements for children in need. Kent County Council (KCC) is seeking to invest in its own in-house residential care homes to deliver better outcomes by providing more suitable placements to best meet the needs of those children most in need.

The existing property is a four-bedroom dwelling. The proposal includes internal alterations to create a staff office and resting space. The report notes that these internal alterations fall within the ancillary rights of a C2 use and do not change the primary residential function.

The report notes that two letters of support and two letters of objection have been received in response to the planning application. Objections include concerns about the ability of staff and children to view neighbouring rear gardens, the number of staff and visitors to the property, and potential parking issues.

The other application concerns 7 Tudor Byway, Kennington, Ashford. This application also seeks permission for a change of use from a residential dwelling (use class C3) to a residential institution (use class C2) to operate as a residential children's care home for up to two children between the ages of eight and eighteen with social and emotional behavioural needs.

The existing house layout is already configured to provide homely and nurturing accommodation for children. Proposed internal changes include the formation of a staff office within the existing garage space.

19 letters of objection have been received in response to the publicity for the application. Concerns raised include the suitability of the proposed C2 use for the location, and the potential negative impact on highway safety, public safety, and the residential amenity of nearby homes.

Both applications are recommended for permission, subject to conditions.

Matters Dealt With Under Delegated Powers

The committee will note a number of items dealt with under delegated powers since the last meeting. These include:

• County matter applications, as detailed in the document E1 - PAC 17.12.2025. These include details of a geoarchaeological post-excavation assessment at Britannia Refined Metals Ltd, and the construction of new portal frame buildings at Blaise Farm Quarry.
• County Council developments, as detailed in the document E2 - PAC 17.12.2025. These include non-material amendments to the A28 Sturry Link Road, details of a construction management plan at St John's CEP School, and non-material amendments to Newnham Court Shopping Village.
• Screening opinions under Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017, as detailed in the document E3 - PAC 17.12.2025.
• Scoping opinions under Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017, as detailed in the document E4 - PAC 17.12.2025.

Other Items

The agenda for the meeting of 17 December 2025 also includes:

• Apologies for absence.
• Declarations of interest.
• The minutes of the meeting held on 12 November 2025.
• Site meetings and other meetings.