A council that decided a small Cambridgeshire village was too isolated for a care home for vulnerable children has had their refusal overturned on appeal after a planning inspector felt it was an ideal location.
Some residents of Old Weston, 12 miles west of Huntingdon, and with a population of just over 400, agreed with Huntingdonshire District Council which considered 26 objections to the proposal.
But the Planning Inspectorate has ruled in favour of Esland North Limited and given approval for change of use to the £900,000, 5 bedroom Longland House, Brington Road, Old Weston.
Reviewing the council’s policies on rural sustainability, the inspector, B Astley-Serougi, pointed out that “in the reasoning for the policy it states that in some cases it may be appropriate for residential institutions to be located away from larger populations due to the specific needs of the proposed residents”.
The inspector said Esland North had outlined that the children that would be cared for at Longland House would likely have Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties (EBD). It is also highlighted that the majority of children looked after by the care provider (Esland) have experienced abuse.
“Whilst there are no amenities such as a cinema in Old Weston for future occupants, a more isolated location is of benefit to these children considering their vulnerability and the risk an urban environment can pose regarding exploitation and abuse,” the inspector said.
The council had argued that “due to the site being located in the countryside and being unsustainably located in terms of access to services and facilities” it did not accord with their Local Plan.
“There are no overriding material considerations that indicate that permission should be granted in this instance,” was how the application was viewed by a planning officer.
“The site is considered to be an unsuitable location in terms of accessibility to shops, services, community facilities and public transport which are appropriate to the needs of the intended occupiers, staff, and visitors of the residential institution.”
The 26 objections included:
Lack of infrastructure in Old Weston apart from a village hall and small children’s play area.
Schools, shops, and health facilities are in adjacent villages and towns.
Limited public transport in the village so staff and visitors will be reliant on cars.
No street lighting which may be a security and safety risk.
Concern that the proposal does not state child numbers which may impact the assessment of the application.
Highway safety risks to pedestrians and vehicle users due to significant increase in vehicle movements.
Noise and disturbance impacts to neighbouring properties, including staff changeover and visitors at unsociable times, light disturbance, and crime.
Loss of privacy/overlooking and loss of privacy for residents
The planning inspector, however, said: “In determining this appeal, I have had due regard to the First Protocol of the Convention on Human Rights and the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) contained in Section 149 of the Equality Act 2010.
“The PSED sets out the need to eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment, and victimisation, and to advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it.
“From the evidence, my decision has the potential to affect persons with a protected characteristic for the purposes of the PSED.
“The appeal scheme would provide appropriate accommodation for vulnerable children.”
The inspector added: “Given the benefits I have identified regarding the isolated location and the consequent decrease in risk of exploitation and abuse of the children, the appeal scheme would provide the opportunity to advance its aims.
“Whilst, the staff and any visitors would likely be reliant upon private motor vehicles, this would be outweighed by the benefits I have identified above regarding the specific needs of the children cared for by Esland.
“Consequently, Longland House would be a suitable location for the proposed children’s care home.
“Concerns have been raised regarding a perceived lack of socialisation with other children for any future occupants of the appeal scheme due to the village having a limited number of child residents.
“This is a matter relating to health and wellbeing. Nevertheless, I have identified the benefit of the isolated location of the appeal site for children that would be residents at Longland House.”
