This application proposes the change of use of a two-bedroom dwellinghouse into a children's residential care home for a single young person.

Full Proposal

The proposal seeks planning permission for the change of use of an existing two-bedroom dwellinghouse (Use Class C3) to a children?s residential care home (Use Class C2). The home will provide accommodation and care for one child or young person aged between 9?16 years old with a learning disability (solo placement), supported by two staff on a 24-hour rota basis. The property will continue to function and appear as a family home within the local community. Staff will have access to a separate office and toilet facility. The child will benefit from dedicated living, dining, and outdoor amenity space for recreation. No major external alterations are proposed. The development will not increase the building?s size, height, or footprint. Existing parking, access, and garden arrangements will remain unchanged. In terms of transport and parking, the property benefits from two on-site parking spaces, with additional free on-street parking available. There are no parking permit restrictions, and the surrounding roads do not have yellow or red line controls, allowing for convenient access for staff and visitors. The proposed change of use aligns with the aims of the Royal Greenwich Local Plan: Core Strategy (2014), particularly policies CH1 (Cohesive and Healthy Communities) and H5 (Housing Design), which encourage developments that meet identified community and social care needs while maintaining neighbourhood character. The home will provide a stable, nurturing, and family-style environment for a child with learning disabilities who requires residential support, contributing positively to local care provision and fulfilling an important social function within the borough. The proposed use will have a low environmental and amenity impact, with staffing levels and activity comparable to that of a small household. The 24-hour staff presence will ensure the property is well managed, quiet, and respectful of the surrounding community. In summary, the proposal represents an appropriate and sensitive change of use from C3 to C2, consistent with the residential character of the area, and supports Greenwich Council?s commitment to inclusive, high-quality care for children and young people with additional needs. The site is located within reach of local services and public transport options. Staff and visitors will be encouraged to use sustainable modes of travel where practical, including walking, cycling, car sharing and public transport. The proposed use would not result in any significant increase in traffic generation or parking demand. There is sufficient parking available in the local area, including: Two free car parks; Free on-street parking; No yellow line restrictions; No red line restrictions. The existing highway network can safely accommodate the limited vehicle movements associated with the proposal. Parking can be managed without causing obstruction, congestion or harm to neighbouring amenity.