On behalf of Keys Group Ltd, Emery Planning has successfully won a planning appeal against St Albans City & District Council for the change of use of a dwelling to a residential care home for up to 4 young people.
Keys Group specialises in assisting children from a variety of backgrounds with differing needs.
The planning application was recommended for approval by planning officers and refused at planning committee. Local councillors raised concerns with the effect of the proposal on highway safety and future residents’ safety in accessing day-to-day facilities and services.
The Inspector concluded that no substantive evidence had been provided by the LPA to demonstrate the number of trips generated from the proposed use compared with the existing use and, no evidence had been submitted to contradict the views of the Highways Authority. Consequently, the use would be no less sustainable or safe, regarding accessing services, than the existing use as a dwelling. The proposal would not be detrimental to highway safety, nor would it represent an increased risk to pedestrians. There was no conflict with local plan policy or The Framework.
This home will provide accommodation for young, vulnerable children across the St Albans region who are desperately in need of care.
May, 2022
