OBJECTIONS have been raised over plans to convert a house off Southern Way into a mother and child unit.

The address is Sunnycroft off Tysea Road in Harlow.

The application is as follows:

This application seeks full planning permission for the change of use from single dwellinghouse (Class C3) to a mother and baby/child unit (Use Class Sui Generis).

It would facilitate the provision of residential accommodation for up to five mothers and their babies/children, utilising the existing 5-bedroom layout with minor internal adjustments.

The service is primarily designed to support babies/children aged 0–5 years, with a focus on infants

in early developmental stages. This age range typically reflects cases where parenting capacity is assessed during or shortly after birth, including safeguarding reviews involving newborns, toddlers, or sibling groups within this bracket.

The facility is designed primarily for first-time, young or vulnerable mothers.

The applicant has confirmed that the site would be fully staffed on a 24-hour basis, operating on a rotating shift pattern.

Shift patterns have not been determined yet and will depend on the requirements of OFSTED.

It is expected that two social workers would be present during the day, with a duty staff member present overnight, ensuing that the Site is ‘fully staffed’ at all times.

There may be visits during the day by other support staff, which will be based on the individual needs of the referral and what support they require.

Summary of Representations Received

A total of ten letters of objection were received across the two statutory consultation periods
(eight during the initial consultation; two further objections following re-consultation from
original objectors) Their comments can be summarised as follows:

The following objections were raised that are material to the determination of this planning
application:

• Principle of Development: loss of housing stock; question as to what defines a mother
  and child unit.
• Parking/Highway Safety: will exacerbate local parking stress; traffic generation; further
  demand could create unsafe conditions and reduce access for emergency services
• Amenity: noise generation (staff shift changes and professional visits, disruption from
  potential emergency callouts or safeguarding interventions); loss of privacy; security;
  light pollution caused by floodlights; erosion of sense of local community; change of
  use detriment to neighbour’s enjoyment of their property
• Character & Appearance: not a suitable use within an established residential area;
  overdevelopment of site; establish precedence
• Impact on Local Services: increased demand for local services i.e GP appointments,
  refuse collection
• Insufficient facilities and space, both within and outside the property to ensure the
  welfare and wellbeing of all residents
  Officer Comment: The material matters raised are considered further in the report.
  The following objections were raised that are not material to the determination of the planning
  application:
• Inconsistencies and lack of detail within the application (i.e. is the mother and baby
  unit Use Class C2 or Sui Generis; age of children);
• Site is poorly maintained by the owner; and
• Regulatory compliance/monitoring requirements

The full application can be found on the Harlow Council planning page.

The application is set to be heard on Wednesday September 11th, at the Civic Offices.