Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Derek Bastiman (substituted by Councillor Roberta Swiers), and Councillor Eric Broadbent.

All Members are invited to declare at this point any interests, including the nature of those interests, or lobbying in respect of any items appearing on this agenda.

Councillor Janet Jefferson declared that she was a member of the Council’s Corporate Parenting Group, but had never carried out a Regulation 44 visit to the application site or the adjoining site, and therefore did not consider that she had a prejudicial interest in Minute 158.  However, she disclosed this information for transparency.

Report of the Head of Development Management – Community Development Services

The Head of Development Management sought determination of an application for planning permission for the change of use of from Use Class C3 (Dwellinghouses) to Use Class C2 (Residential Institutions) (retrospective) at 2 The Paddock, High Street, Brompton By Sawdon.

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, the application had been brought to Planning Committee as the Council had submitted the application and was therefore the Applicant.

Presenting the report, the Principal Planning Officer outlined the location of the application site and advised there had been no updates to the report as printed.  Members were advised that officers considered the application acceptable in principle, and recommended it be approved.

In accordance with public speaking arrangements at planning committee, the following speakers then addressed the committee.

Objecting to the application:

1)    Councillor Stephen Triffit – Brompton By Sawdon Parish Council.  Summary of issues raised:

·         The Parish Council raised concerns about ongoing incidents at the property, with at least ten emergency service callouts since Christmas, occurring at various times of day and night.

·         A recent incident involved an individual accessing the roof and causing damage to aerials, contributing to disruption in the area.

·         Residents have reported feeling unsettled and intimidated, and written representations have been received outlining these concerns.

·         There have been instances of individuals entering or standing in the A170, affecting traffic flow and raising safety concerns.

·         Repeated damage to the property, including broken windows, doors and a hole in the roof, was noted, alongside frequent attendance by council services.

·         Gardens are said to be poorly maintained, with overgrowth affecting visibility onto the highway.

·         The Parish Council expressed the view that the property, as a family home in a quiet residential area, may not be suitable to meet the needs of the individual concerned, who may require more specialist provision.

·         Ongoing vandalism and the associated financial impact were highlighted as concerns.

During consideration of the application, the following matters were discussed:

·         Clarification was sought regarding the nature and operation of the property, particularly in relation to its role within children’s services provision and whether it formed part of Foundation Housing or Brompton Hall, with reference to corporate parenting responsibilities for young people up to the age of 25;

·         Members were advised that the application related specifically to Property No. 2, which accommodated two children (typically aged 10–17) under Children and Young People’s Services (CYPS), who were unable to live with families, and that this was distinct from Property No. 1, which operated under a different model supporting slightly older young people to live more independently;

·         Officers advised that the application sought permission for use as a residential institution (small children’s home), and that planning legislation could not control or limit the specific characteristics or backgrounds of occupants, only the use class of the property;

·         Members highlighted representations from the Parish Council which described the situation as intolerable, although it was reiterated that planning considerations must focus on land use rather than individuals;

·         The Committee discussed whether evidence of detrimental impacts could constitute  ...  view the full minutes text for item 158.

Any other items which the Chair agrees should be considered as a matter of urgency because of special circumstances.

There were no items of urgent business.

Thursday, 9 July 2026 at 2.00pm

Thursday, 9 July 2026, at 2:00pm, at a venue to be confirmed.