Plans for a children’s home in Armley could receive the green light next week – despite the concerns of a local councillor.
Applicants Cambian Group want to change a six-bedroom house) into a children’s home in Billingbauk Drive.
The home would cater for three young people aged eight-18 years old on expected long-term residencies. It would employ three staff.
Councillor James McKenna (Lab, Armley) has opposed the application on the grounds that the area area is not suitable for a children’s home, there will be no chance for children to interact productively with community due to frequency of change, the lack of local services and lack of public consultation.
There are also five objections from local residents.
But a council planning officer’s report recommends the application be approved subject to conditions as the proposals meet local and national planning rules. The report concludes:
“The application site would
operate within a use that would attract occupation and levels of noise and disturbance
from comings and goings, akin to those that could reasonably and likely occur if a
family resided at this address.“The size of the building and its grounds provides suitable accommodation for three
residents and the on-site staff. There is sufficient on-site parking for staff and visitors
and the site is located within a sustainable location.”
Councillors on the south and west plans panel will consider the application next Thursday. The planning officer’s report can be read in full here.