THURROCK Council has refused an application to convert a family home in Grays into a children's care home, ruling that the proposed change would significantly alter the property's use and character.

The application sought a Lawful Development Certificate for 263 Long Lane, Stifford Clays, to change its use from a residential dwelling to a children's home for up to two children, supported by two carers working on a 24-hour rota.

The two-storey semi-detached property includes four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a study, and a rear garden, with off-street parking. However, planning officers concluded that the proposed operation would introduce an "institutional" level of activity not typical of a family home.

In its decision, the council highlighted several concerns.

These included the continuous presence of two carers, plans for locks on children's bedroom doors and alarm systems on entry points. In addition there would be visits from social workers, clinicians, and Ofsted inspectors which would all impact the property's character and neighbouring amenity.

The council said these factors would result in "materially different impacts" on the area, including potential noise and disturbance.

Planning officers said: "The proposed change of use would go beyond incidental domestic use and materially alter the nature of occupation. It therefore constitutes development under planning law and requires full planning permission."

The refusal means the applicant cannot proceed without submitting a formal planning application, which would be subject to public consultation.

Related stories:

https://thurrock.nub.news/news/local-news/continued-frustration-and-concern-from-residents-over-rising-number-of-childrens-care-home-conversions-after-officers-approve-another-three-265116

https://thurrock.nub.news/news/local-news/home-conversion-for-looked-after-children-wins-approval-254425

https://thurrock.nub.news/news/local-news/council-approve-home-use-switch-for-looked-after-kids-247819

https://thurrock.nub.news/news/local-news/another-bid-to-create-childrens-care-home-by-conversion-of-domestic-property-265452

https://thurrock.nub.news/news/local-news/more-bids-to-turn-family-dwellings-into-private-childrens-homes-260833

*An earlier version of this story gave a wrong address. The mistake originated in copy supplied by the Locald Democracy Reporting Service. We apologise for the mistake and previous use of an incorrect picture.