Agenda item

DEFERRED

In a presentation given by Planning, the Committee were informed that this application was initially called in by Cllr Tunnicliffe and went before Plans Sub-Committee 3 on 26^th October 2023. The application was deferred in order to seek additional information of the existing use of the property, including the extent and nature of care provided, and the completion of a Members’ site visit. The site visit was carried out on 9^th December, with photos circulated to Members and some shown at the meeting. Further information has also been received from the applicant/Agent since the publication of the Agenda and further objections.

An oral representation in objection to the application was received from a local resident, highlighting residents’ concerns regarding anti-social behaviour from residents of the property and questioning the suitability of the property for the purpose of providing care to its residents.

Visiting Ward Member, Councillor Pauline Tunnicliffe, then gave an oral representation regarding the application. It was acknowledged that although the residents’ concerns were understood, many of them could not be taken into account under the Planning guidelines. Concerns were raised regarding the enforcement action that could be taken if future problems arose and were experienced by residents, and that the Council would deal with these issues.

During Members’ discussions it was highlighted that the focus should be on planning issues and whether the change of use was in place at the time of the application in August 2022. The question of whether the applicant/Agent had provided evidence and full details of the change of use with dates etc was discussed. Several Members felt that not enough documentary evidence had been provided to approve the application.

Members having considered the Report, objections and representations RESOLVED that the APPLICATION BE DEFERRED TO RECEIVE EXTRA INFORMATION. 

Extra information/evidence to include:

·  List dates of site visits/inspection of property by any Council Staff (Planning, Enforcement, Adult Social Care Teams) and reason the enforcement case was closed

·  Tenancy Agreements for the period 02.03.2021 – 30.12.2022

·  Contracts with staff and the health authority (if applicable) for the period 02.03.2021 – 30.12.2022

·  Information from Adult Social Care Team about the use