Proposal to convert Staffordshire bungalow into care home for child set to be approved

Proposals to use a bungalow as a care home for one child are set to be approved.

Egret Care is seeking a certificate of lawfulness for the change of use of a dormer bungalow in Parklands, Biddulph Moor.

The company claims that providing accommodation for a single looked after child, aged between six and 18, would not represent a material change of use.

According to Egret Care’s application, the child would be cared for by two staff members who would be present around the clock, with shift changes every two to three days.

Seven residents have objected to the application, who say that using the bungalow as a ‘professionally operated care facility’ would not be appropriate in a quiet, residential cul-de-sac. They raise concerns over increased noise and disturbance and traffic problems.

Egret Care’s previous application to change the use of the bungalow to a care home for up to three children was refused by councillors earlier this year, due to the property being considered too small for such a use.

But planning officers have recommended the new application for approval, saying that the proposed care facility would operate in a way that is ‘very similar to a normal family home’.

The officers’ report states: “The prevailing character of the proposed use would be that of a single child living and using the property in a way that is similar to a family home where they would be supervised and cared for by adult guardians.

“While there might be identifiable differences, between proposed and existing uses, these would not be ‘material’ or easily measurable and quantifiable against the rather flexible characteristics and impacts of a lawful dwellinghouse.”

Planning committee members will consider the application when they meet on Thursday (October 29).

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