Agenda item

Ward

Ashford East

Proposal

Change of use from a dwelling (Use Class C3) to a children’s care home (Use Class C2).

Recommendation

Approve the application subject to conditions.

Description:

Change of use from a dwelling (Use Class C3) to a children’s care home (Use Class C2).

Additional Information:

1. The Council has received an email from the Chair of Spelthorne Committee for Access Now (SCAN) confirming that they wish to withdraw the objection originally submitted in respect of the application.

2. The applicant has submitted a Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) statement, which summarises the various safety and security measures incorporated within the proposal. The statement also confirms that the applicant met with a police officer from Surrey Police’s Crime Reduction and Designing Out Crime team on 16 April 2026.

3. Having reviewed the CPTED and Secured by Design information provided, the Surrey Police Officer has confirmed that there will appropriate measures in place to reduce the risk and opportunity for crime. The proposal demonstrates clear engagement with Surrey Police Designing Out Crime, incorporates robust physical security, access control, surveillance, and management arrangements, and aligns with recognised Secured by Design standards.

4. Condition 3 to be amended:

The occupation of the children’s young adult's care home hereby permitted shall be limited to a maximum of 4 residents at any time.

Reason:-. To safeguard the amenity of future residents of the property and neighbouring properties.

5. Condition 4 drawing number to be amended:

The development hereby approved shall not be first occupied unless and until space has been laid out within the site in accordance with the approved plans (drawing No. 07 Revision A) for vehicles to be parked. Thereafter the parking area shall be retained and maintained for their designated purpose.

Reason: -. To ensure that the proposed development does not prejudice the free flow of traffic or the conditions of general safety along the neighbouring highways and to ensure that the facilities provided are reserved for the benefit of the development for which they are specifically required, in accordance with NPPF.

Public Speaking:

In accordance with the Council’s procedure for speaking at meetings, Abena Akom spoke for the proposed development raising the following key points:

1. The children’s home is regulated of Ofsted which ensures its suitability for a residential setting.

2. The home will have one staff car, and the property’s driveway accommodates up to three vehicles, minimising parking issues.

3. Staff will be on-site 24/7

4. The property offers ample recreational space

5. The site will have security including CCTV, good lighting, windows and fencing.

6. The Highway Authority has no objection to the planning application.

7. The site would undergo annual Ofsted inspections to ensure high standards of safety, quality accommodation and care.

A ward councillor, Councillor Sexton, was unable to attend the meeting but requested her call-in request be read by the Democratic Services Officer which raised the following key points:

1. This is an unsuitable location for children’s welfare

2. The location is inconsistent with providing a safe, calm and nurturing environment

3. Excessive noise on neighbours, air pollution from traffic affecting health, sleep, or wellbeing

4. Difficulty providing outdoor play or recreation space that is safe and accessible.

5. Insufficient or unsafe vehicular access for staff, visitors, emergency services, or school transport

6. Inadequate parking, leading to congestion on a busy road,

7. Highway safety and traffic impact

Debate:

During the debate the following key issues were raised:

1.    The outdoor recreational space appeared insufficient

2.    The property provides more than double the minimum requirement of garden space.

3.    The security and operation of the site will be regulated by Ofsted.

4.    Concern about parking and vehicles on-site

5.    The home would not be different than any other six-person home.

6.    Concern about the noise and disturbance which would be an intensification of current use.

Decision:

The Committee resolved to approve the application with changes to Conditions 3 and 4.