Children’s Home Plan Receives Approval Despite Council Reservations

Blaby District Council granted approval on November 11 for a children’s home in Leicestershire, notwithstanding reservations from a local council. The application, submitted by Mr A Mistry, sought to change the use of a residential property on Stonehurst Road in Braunstone Town to provide care for up to three children between the ages of six and 14. The application process saw 18 objections lodged, notably from Braunstone Town Council. The town council advised against approval until specific details concerning staff rotas and parking arrangements were provided. It specifically inquired about the methodology for structuring rotas to guarantee minimal disturbance to the local community. Furthermore, the Local Democracy Reporting Service reported that the town council requested additional information regarding the volume and regularity of visits to and from the residence, as well as projected staff turnover rates. Leicestershire County Council’s Local Highway Authority (LHA) assessed the proposed development’s effect on local road safety, concluding that it “would not be unacceptable”. The LHA observed that three off-street car parking spaces were planned and highlighted the home’s proximity to bus stops offering frequent services to Leicester and Fosse Park. Additionally, the LHA mentioned that on-street parking was already prevalent in the vicinity and confirmed that no collisions resulting in injuries had been recorded on Stonehurst Road over the most recent five-year span. According to the planning application, provisions included two cars parked in the driveway concurrently, with staff handovers and rotas designed to ensure minimal community disruption and consistent care for the children residing at the home.