AN application to convert a house in Fold Croft into a children’s home is set to go in front of Harlow Council’s planning committee.

The application is for children, aged 13-17 years, who display emotional and behavioural difficulties.

There have been a number of objections by local residents:

Overview

The proposal seeks permission for the change of use from a single dwellinghouse (Use Class
C3) to a children’s care home (Use Class C2). It is considered acceptable in terms of character
and appearance, residential amenity and parking/highways considerations. It complies with
the relevant policies within the Local Plan and supplementary documents and is accordingly
recommended for approval, subject to the imposition of appropriate conditions.

Site and surroundings

The application site relates to No. 241 Fold Croft, a mid-terrace dwellinghouse located within
a residential area of the Little Parndon and Town Centre ward. It shares a boundary to the
west with No. 240 and one to the east with No. 242.The site is not located within a conservation
area, or within the setting of listed buildings.

Details of the Proposal

This application seeks full planning permission for the change of use from a single
dwellinghouse (Class C3) to a children’s care home (Class C2). It would facilitate the provision
of residential accommodation for three children aged between 10 and 17.

The applicant has confirmed that care would be given by a team operating on a rotating shift
pattern, including the Registered Manager. There would be a minimum of two staff on site at
any given time, including nights. The Registered Manager would be on site 9:00am – 5:00pm,
Monday – Friday inclusive.

The submitted Statement of Purpose explains that the children will be provided with focused
care and support in relation to their physical, emotional and psychological health. This would
be undertaken in a safe, secure, friendly environment that is non-institutional, promoting family
style living as a positive experience within the home and community.

The operator currently provides homes across Essex, which are Ofsted-regulated and have
been running successfully for several years. This includes 71 Great Plumtree, Harlow,
approved under application reference HW/FUL/25/00047 on the 16 May 2025, which provides
care for three children aged between 13 and 17.

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Summary of Representations Received

A total of ten representations were received objecting to the proposed change of use.

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

• Parking/Highway Safety: will exacerbate local parking stress (staff changeovers,
  external visitors; professional visits, delivery/servicing); congestion; access issues for
  emergency services; impact mobility for wheelchair users and pushchairs;
• Amenity: noise generation; disturbance; loss of security; impact on general wellbeing
• Character & Appearance: conversion into children’s care home not appropriate or
  compatible within a residential area; dwelling not suitable for C2 use (confined internal
  layout, limited amenity space and small garden); estate is a family-oriented, quiet
  neighbourhood; suitability of location and community integration
  Officer Comment: The material matters raised are addressed in the assessment below.
  
• The following objections were raised that are not material to the determination of the planning
  application:
• May be used to house illegal immigrants/grown men claiming to be children.

https://harlow.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s30339/HW%20FUL%2025%2000512%20241%20Fold%20Croft.pdf