Agenda item

The Chairman introduced the first application of the evening, application number WL/2025/00872 for change of use from residential to alternative educational provision with respite and the erection of a detached sensory room at The Hideaway, 12a Weldon Road, Hemswell, Gainsborough, DN21 5UG. Members received a presentation on the application and were advised of the following updates. A late representation had been received from a local resident raising additional points regarding details on the companies house website concerning the applicant Illuminate Care Group, and also enquiring who would  be accountable for any anti-social behaviour arising from the development. In response, it was clarified that the application was attributed to the land rather than the applicant, and any anti-social behaviour concerns would need to be raised through the normal routes, namely the police.

The Chairman stated there was one registered speaker for the application, and invited Mr Stuart Nicoll, applicant, to address the committee.

Mr Nicoll thanked the committee for their time and consideration of the application. He highlighted a tendency in local communities to be concerned regarding the unknown. He explained the company ran a fully regulated service and tried to work with the local community as far as possible, highlighting the conversations which had taken place with local residents, and emphasising the approachability of the company. He reiterated that the application was exactly as they had put through the pre-application stage. In response to comments regarding the potential for anti-social behaviour, Mr Nicoll recognised the human nature to worry about negative possibilities, however he provided assurance that the premises would be running as a school for four children who were in need of a calm and quiet environment. He highlighted the connection with the main site in Gainsborough, noting that the children there fared well but the additional site would provide an additional peaceful, calming environment for those who needed it. He emphasised there would always be staff on site, and reiterated the company’s open door policy, encouraging residents to approach himself directly, or those involved with the premises. Mr Nicoll highlighted the benefit of the proposed plan and the difference it would make to those children who needed it.

The Chairman thanked Mr Nicoll and invited comments from the committee. In recognising the concerns raised by residents, a Member of the Committee highlighted his experience with children experiencing difficulties at school and supported the provision of a sensory room contained within the premises. It was also felt by Committee Members that the concerns raised by the Parish Council had been reasonably addressed within the report, and did not constitute material concerns for the Planning Committee.

Having been proposed and seconded, the Chairman took the vote and it was unanimously agreed that planning permission be GRANTED subject to the following conditions:

Conditions stating the time by which the development must be commenced:

1. The development hereby permitted must be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.

Reason: To conform with Section 91 (1) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended).

Conditions which apply or require matters to be agreed before the development commenced:

None.

Conditions which apply or are to be observed during the course of the development:

2. With the exception of the detailed matters referred to by the conditions of this consent, the development hereby approved shall be carried out in accordance with the following drawings and documents:

·         FF-213-14 dated Aug 25

·         FF-213-15 dated Aug 25

·         FF-213-16 dated Aug 25

·         FF-213-17 dated Aug 25

·         509 01 dated November 1 2024

·         509 02 dated November 1 2024

The works shall be carried out in accordance with the details shown on the approved plans and in any other approved documents forming part of the application.

Reason: To ensure the development proceeds in accordance with the approved plans and to accord with the National Planning Policy Framework and Policy S53 of the Central Lincolnshire Local.

3. On site staffing numbers shall not exceed 5, as detailed in the submitted Planning Statement and the use shall only provide education provision for a maximum of 5 children at any one time.

Reason: In the interests of residential amenity and in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework and policy S53 of the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan.

4. The ecological enhancements as shown on the submitted Enhancement Plan dated 16/11/2025 shall be implemented within 3 months of the building being brought into first use and retained in perpetuity thereafter.

Reason: To protect and enhance the biodiversity value of the site to accord with the National Planning Policy Framework and policy S60 of the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan.

Conditions which apply or relate to matters which are to be observed following completion of the development:

5. The educational provision use hereby permitted shall not be open to pupils and staff outside the following times during school term time:

·         Monday to Friday: 9:30 am to 14:30 pm.

Reason: In the interests of residential amenity and to accord with the National Planning Policy Framework and Policy S53 of the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan.

6. The respite facility shall only be used outside of school term and will be limited to a maximum of 1 child occupant and their family and carer.

Reason: In the interests of residential amenity and to accord with the National Planning Policy Framework and Policy S53 of the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan.

7. The buildings shown on Drawing No. FF-213-14 dated Aug 25 shall only be used as an ‘Alternative Educational Provision’ for young people aged 11 to 16 years of age and for no other use, including for any other purpose under use class F.1 Learning and non-residential institutions of the Town & Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (as amended) or its equivalent in any successive legislation, without having first obtained the planning permission of the local planning authority.

Reason: The application has been assessed and found to be acceptable in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework and Policy S45 of the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan.