Update on plans to switch children's home in Blackpool to adult care home

Proposals to switch the use of an existing children’s home into a residential home for adults needing care have been approved by planners at Blackpool.

A planning application was submitted to Blackpool Council in respect of a property on Beetham Place, close to Stanley Park.

Despite the similar uses, a planning application was still required for the proposals, put forward by applicants the Priory Group, as they have different ‘use classifications’ in planning law.

A planning Statement by Alder King Planning Consultants said: “The application site comprises Kinney House, 1 Beetham Place, Blackpool and its associated curtilage to the front and rear.

“The property itself is a large, detached former dwelling constructed of red brick with a slate roof and UPVC windows.

“The current arrangement of the building reflects the longstanding use as a children’s home.

“The small adult care home would be operated by Priory Group, an independent provider of specialist care for adults, and would provide accommodation for up to four adults with learning disabilities, autism or autistic spectrum conditions, and related mental health conditions.

“The application site would be the sole residence of the adult’s residing at the property, who would live together as a single household and be in receipt of care provided by the applicant.

“They would have only private bedrooms and would share communal living spaces – lounge, kitchen, dining spaces.

“Meals would be shared and eaten together in the communal areas. Domestic chores would be undertaken collectively – for example, cleaning, cooking and laundry.

“There would be group social activities, both within the home and away from it.”

In considering the application, Blackpool’s Head of Development Management stated: “The change of use would likely represent an improvement to the amenity of existing neighbouring residents, as activity associated with a C3 dwelling is generally less intense than that associated with a C2 children’s home.

“The existing use of the property already includes bedrooms and living accommodation in a layout broadly similar to that which is proposed; nonetheless it is noted that no unacceptable loss of privacy or overlooking would be generated by proposals.

“It is not considered that the change of use would have any unacceptable impacts on the highway.

“The scheme is considered to represent sustainable development and on this basis, planning permission should be approved.”