Controversial plans to create care unit in Lostock Hall to be decided next week - here's the recommendation
Controversial plans to create a complex of supported living suites for vulnerable adults will be decided next week.
Plans to convert a 14-bed HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) into six supported living suites for vulnerable adults will be decided next week.
Proposals to change the use of 152 Croston Road, Lostock Hall, into a facility for vulnerable adults who need care provision were put before South Ribble Borough Council (SRBC) last month, and on Thursday, April 23, the planning committee will decide.
A report has been drawn up by council planning officers, recommending the scheme is approved with conditons - despite strong objections from the local community.
The proposal
The three-storey property is next to St Paul’s Church, a Grade II listed building. In a statement to South Ribble Borough Council (SRBC), the applicant’s agent says: “The scheme aims to sensitively repurpose the property, retaining its appearance, and adding an extension and improvements to registered service accommodation units.” They say the proposed use and single-story ground-floor extension “will not detract from the setting of the nearby Grade II listed building.
The application also includes a single-storey rear extension and alterations to windows and doors.
Each suite will contain features including a bedroom, dining area and enuite/wet room, with space provided for a communal area and staff room.
Potential for 20 staff on site
The proposed care facility would be operated by Reside Support Ltd and would be continuously staffed to meet the needs of the vulnerable adults requiring full-time care and supervision. Staffing would be provided on a rota system of two shifts, with a shift change at 8am and 8pmn (an amendment from three shifts initially proposed). At peak times, up to a maximum of 20 staff may be present on site, which includes 2:1 or 3:1 supervision, depending on the resident’s needs. No social or health workers are expected to attend as all care needs are to be provided by in-house trained staff.
Local reaction
Concerns have been raised in the local community, with 15 letters of objection registered by residents and concerns raised by Farington Parish Council. One letter of support was received. The application has been called in to Committee at the request of Councillor Walton.
Key concernsd include:
- Insufficient parking
- Insufficient parking and access for emergency vehicles
- Noise and light pollution caused by staff shift at unsocial hours
- Highway and pedestrian safety at entrance of the site
- Reduction of housing provision from 14 beds to 6
- Works being carried out without permission.
Recommendation
A report drawn up by SRBC planning officers ahead of Thursday’s meeting recommends the plan is approved.
A report states: “The proposed development is not out of character with the local area and will not impact on the setting of the adjacent Grade II Listed St Pauls Church. Concern in respect of neighbour amenity can be adequately addressed through a condition to secure a Noise Management Plan for the duration of the use.
“LCC Highways have fully considered the proposal have raised no objections in respect of highway safety and highway capacity . Considering the above commentary, the submission of an amended Site Layout Plan, and agreement to the purchase of off-site BNG credits, the proposal is considered compliant with the relevant policies of the National Planning Policy Framework, The Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, the Central Lancashire Core Strategy and the South Ribble Local Plan. The application is therefore recommended for approval, subject to the imposition of conditions.”
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